Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, to cancel the upcoming recess and keep the House in session to deal with many important issues that Iowans are demanding action on. Everything from the Farm Bill and the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA), to a bipartisan budget and a commonsense agreement to create jobs and grow the economy, have yet to be dealt with. After the House recesses today for a 12 day district work period, it is only scheduled to be in session and voting for 16 days through the end of the year.

"On the heels of irresponsible and reckless manufactured crises that took our economy to the brink and slowed economic growth, news reports indicate that instead of redoubling efforts to rebuild the economy and boost job creation, the House Majority is considering reducing the already paltry number of work days scheduled in the House for the rest of the year.  Such a proposal is simply unacceptable," Loebsack wrote to Speaker Boehner. "I call you on to keep the House in session and working every day to get the work of the American people done.  I stand ready to continue to work on a bipartisan basis to move these critically important initiatives forward.

Dear Friend,

Tomorrow we will come together to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11^th attacks. We will always remember the families of all those we lost, the first responders who rushed to the scene, the volunteers who cleared rubble or lined up to donate blood, and our men and women in uniform who have made incredible sacrifices in defense of our nation.

I will also always remember the remarkable call to service I witnessed in Iowa communities and communities across the nation in the aftermath of the attacks. We came together with a shared sense of unity, engagement, and purpose. We had been attacked, but our country's enduring values and spirit were not shaken.

In honoring our first responders, our servicemembers, and those we lost in the attacks, we must remember the unity of our nation in the aftermath of the attacks which reminded us all that we had a part to play in moving our nation forward. In keeping with the designation of September 11^th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, I want to encourage all Iowans to join me in observing the twelfth anniversary of September 11^th by participating in a service event. To find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit www.serve.gov and simply enter your zip code.

Giving back to your community is a way to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. I am proud to represent a district where neighbors pitch in to help one another, and I hope that tradition continues as we remember September 11^th and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

Dear Friend,

This spring, Iowa again saw rising rivers and streams across the State due to record levels of rainfall. As Iowans, the threat of flooding never seems far away, and it's only getting worse. Each time waters begin to rise, thoughts of 2008 and the devastation that families and communities suffered quickly returns. This year the rising waters once again sent communities scrambling to prepare for the worst and thousands of acres of farmland sat underwater, unable to be planted. The rising waters also sent another check from the federal government to help cover the necessary disaster costs of preparing and recovery. We can do better.

In Iowa, folks like those at the Iowa Flood Center and the University of Iowa are doing work that is helping Iowa communities prepare better and smarter for flooding. This success is already at work saving our communities money, time, and resources. The entire country should follow Iowa's lead in planning better and smarter for flooding in order to help families and communities, and achieve significant, long-term savings to the federal government. This is why last week I introduced the National Flood Research and Education Center Act (NFERC). This bill would create a National Flood Center to study ways to better predict and prevent flooding, and provide valuable information to the public.

Flooding is costing taxpayers billions of dollars a year for preparation and recovery. The prediction and prevention tools from a National Flood Center would help prevent damage and allow our communities to better allocate resources such as sand bags, machinery, volunteers, and temporary flood walls. Every year flooding costs taxpayers, and the new technologies and methods already being put to use in Iowa could save our country untold millions.

As Iowans, we have experienced the devastation that flooding can bring. I believe through a National Flood Center we can help prevent similar devastation across the country and in Iowa. We don't need to wait for the next devastation to act. No time is better than now to get a National Flood Center into action to save lives and resources, and achieve significant long-term savings. I look forward to chatting more about my bill with you in Iowa soon.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

According to the Small Business Administration, 97 percent of Iowa's employers are small businesses.  These businesses are the backbone of our economy and are essential to growing our economy and creating jobs.

I'm back home in Iowa working every weekend and one of my favorite things to do is visit small businesses.  I am constantly impressed with the innovation and dedication of employers and employees alike.  You can see photos of some of the businesses I have visited here.

To honor small businesses this week, I joined a bipartisan group to introduce a Resolution supporting "National Small Business Week."  This week is all about supporting local businesses and recognizing the contributions small businesses make to our communities and our economy.  I hope all Iowans will join me in making this week a celebration of Iowa's small businesses.

As a founding member of the bipartisan Small Business Caucus, I have made championing small businesses a top priority.  This includes supporting numerous initiatives to help small businesses including joining the other side of the aisle in supporting a 20 percent small business tax cut and increased tax deductions for capital expenses.  It is critical that small business in Iowa continue to grow and prosper and I will continue to fight to ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. 

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District