Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

Dear Friend,

Today we join with our families, neighbors and friends to stand together and remember those whose lives were taken when our nation was attacked on this tragic day 14 years ago. We are eternally grateful to the firefighters, police, EMTs, and other first responders who risked their own lives on September 11^th to save their fellow Americans. We must also pause today to honor those servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

In the years since the tragedy, we have honored those we lost with a National Day of Service and Remembrance. This is a time for us to come together to make a difference in our communities. It also provides a living reminder of hope and gives comfort to those whose lives were forever changed.

We also must care for those who rushed towards the building saving an untold number of lives. To support these heroes, Congress passed the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act in 2010. I was proud to support this legislation, which finally allowed over 70,000 9/11 responders and survivors to access medical monitoring and treatment for their injuries and illnesses.

Unfortunately, this important law expires in October and Congress must act now to extend it and maintain coverage for these first responders.  Please be assured that I will continue to fight every day for the selfless individuals who put protecting and helping others above their own safety.

Fourteen years ago, we were attacked by terrorists seeking to tear our country apart. Let us come together again on this solemn anniversary to redouble our commitment to honoring the legacy of those we lost by making our great nation event stronger and more steadfast.

Sincerely,

Iowa's Second District

As we approach the end of the year, we are also closing out the 113th Congress.  While this Congress as a whole has left many things to complete, I have been busy working across the aisle to overcome the Washington gridlock and advance legislation to benefit the people of Iowa.  A summary of some of those achievements are below.

Growing Iowa's Economy

SECTORS Act

Large portions of my SECTORS Act were passed as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  The SECTORS Act will ensure workers have the training they need to secure good jobs and employers have access to a workforce with the skills that are needed for them to expand, boost our economy, and out-perform the global competition.

Water Resources Reform and Development Act

The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) authorizes Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to ports, waterways and projects tied to flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees and environmental restoration.  This bill also contained my legislation to protect Cedar Rapids from future flooding.

Strengthening Rock Island Arsenal

I have continued my efforts to drive more workload to the Rock Island Arsenal, which will help both the Arsenal and the Quad Cities' economy remain strong.

Cleaning Up Congress

There is no doubt that the American people have lost faith in Congress.  That is why I have fought to hold Congress accountable for its actions by fighting for legislation to cut Member's pay for the first time since the Great Depression and permanently ban all Member's from becoming lobbyists.

Fighting for Rural Iowa

Farm Bill

The long-term farm bill that passed Congress this year is essential for farmers and rural communities to be able to invest and plan for the future.  The new farm bill makes important reforms, gives our farmers strong risk management tools, strengthens our rural communities, and creates job well beyond the farm.

Renewable Fuels Standard

We all know the importance of biofuels to Iowa's economy, which is why I have been leading the fight in Congress against the EPA to reverse its announced Renewable Fuels Standard proposal.  The proposal that the EPA announced last fall is flat-out unacceptable and would have dire consequences to Iowa's economy.

Production Tax Credit

The PTC has helped the still growing wind energy industry employ 80,000 Americans, including thousands of Iowans.  Living in Iowa, I understand how important renewable energy is to our state, to our country's future, and to our economy.

On January 6th, when the new Congress is sworn in, I will have the honor of serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee.  This new position will allow me to have a greater say on issues that are important to Iowans, including job creation, growing the economy, making sound investments in renewable energy such as wind, solar and biofuels and growing the Middle Class.  I have been honored to serve as your voice and look forward to continuing that in the New Year.

Congressman Dave Loebsack