18 Dec 2014

Harkin Statement on Senate Passage of Resolution to Honor Child Labor and Education Activists

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement on the passage of his U.S. Senate resolution to honor Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai. The resolution is Harkin's final legislative effort of his career and was the last item passed by the U.S. Senate in the 113th Congress. Harkin is a longtime champion for ending the scourge of child labor around the world and ensuring the right of children to an education. Harkin first nominated Mr. Satyarthi for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for his work in India and internationally to eradicate the worst forms of child labor.

"I am pleased that the Senate has recognized these two amazing advocates for the rights of children," said Harkin. "Their efforts have not only saved thousands of childhoods, but have also inspired countless others to take action in this critical fight. I hope that this leads to new emphasis from governments, civil society organizations, and all individuals on eliminating child labor and promoting education for children around the world."

The text of the resolution is below.

Whereas, on October 10, 2014, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai; 

Whereas the International Labour Organization estimates that, worldwide, 168,000,000 children are exploited financially, with 85,000,000 children working in very hazardous environments and deprived of an education; 

Whereas the United Nations Children's Fund estimates that 101,000,000 children  are not in school; 

Whereas Kailash Satyarthi and his organization, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, have rescued more than 82,000 children from the worst forms of child labor;

Whereas Malala Yousafzai has promoted education for girls in Pakistan since she was 11 years old and is an advocate for worldwide access to education; 

Whereas Kailash Satyarthi has endured threats on his life as a result of such rescue efforts; and 

Whereas the Taliban attempted to kill Malala Yousafzai on October 9, 2012, as a result of her efforts to encourage more girls to attend school: Now, therefore, be it resolved

 

That the Senate – 

(1) recognizes Nobel Laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai as symbols of peace and advocates for ending the financial exploitation of children and for the opportunity of all children to have access to education; 

(2) commends all individuals working around the world to end the scourge of child slavery and to advance education for all children; 

(3) recognizes the challenges that remain in ending the financial exploitation of children and providing access to an education for all children; 

(4) urges all governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals to unite in the common purpose of protecting children from losing their childhoods as well as   their futures; and 

 

(5) recognizes the dedication and commitment to freedom, the rights of children, and the endurance of the human spirit, demonstrated by all individuals who make sacrifices to build a more peaceful world.

 

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18 Dec 2014

Harkin Statement on Senate Passage of Resolution to Honor Child Labor and Education Activists

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement on the passage of his U.S. Senate resolution to honor Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai. The resolution is Harkin's final legislative effort of his career and was the last item passed by the U.S. Senate in the 113th Congress. Harkin is a longtime champion for ending the scourge of child labor around the world and ensuring the right of children to an education. Harkin first nominated Mr. Satyarthi for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 for his work in India and internationally to eradicate the worst forms of child labor.

"I am pleased that the Senate has recognized these two amazing advocates for the rights of children," said Harkin. "Their efforts have not only saved thousands of childhoods, but have also inspired countless others to take action in this critical fight. I hope that this leads to new emphasis from governments, civil society organizations, and all individuals on eliminating child labor and promoting education for children around the world."

The text of the resolution is below.

Whereas, on October 10, 2014, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai; 

Whereas the International Labour Organization estimates that, worldwide, 168,000,000 children are exploited financially, with 85,000,000 children working in very hazardous environments and deprived of an education; 

Whereas the United Nations Children's Fund estimates that 101,000,000 children  are not in school; 

Whereas Kailash Satyarthi and his organization, Bachpan Bachao Andolan, have rescued more than 82,000 children from the worst forms of child labor;

Whereas Malala Yousafzai has promoted education for girls in Pakistan since she was 11 years old and is an advocate for worldwide access to education; 

Whereas Kailash Satyarthi has endured threats on his life as a result of such rescue efforts; and 

Whereas the Taliban attempted to kill Malala Yousafzai on October 9, 2012, as a result of her efforts to encourage more girls to attend school: Now, therefore, be it resolved

 

That the Senate – 

(1) recognizes Nobel Laureates Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzai as symbols of peace and advocates for ending the financial exploitation of children and for the opportunity of all children to have access to education; 

(2) commends all individuals working around the world to end the scourge of child slavery and to advance education for all children; 

(3) recognizes the challenges that remain in ending the financial exploitation of children and providing access to an education for all children; 

(4) urges all governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals to unite in the common purpose of protecting children from losing their childhoods as well as   their futures; and 

 

(5) recognizes the dedication and commitment to freedom, the rights of children, and the endurance of the human spirit, demonstrated by all individuals who make sacrifices to build a more peaceful world.

 

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16 Dec 2014

Harkin Announces Academy Nominations for 50 Iowa Students

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 50 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Military Academy, West Point for the 2015 classes.

"I would like to congratulate these students for their many outstanding achievements," Harkin said. "An academy nomination is a great honor because of the intense competition for these nominations across the state of Iowa. In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities. Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."

In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer. Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured. Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy. From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.

A list of this year`s nominees is below.

Altoona

Jacob Cole has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Jacob is the son of Jamie Cole and Jeff Cole and is a senior at Southeast Polk High School.

Altoona

Jacob Marnin has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Jacob is the son of Kelli and Joseph Marnin and is a senior at Southeast Polk High School.

Ames

Payton Boylston has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Payton is the daughter of Terri and Latinus Boylston and is a senior at Ames High School.

Ames

Jeffrey Bright has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Jeffrey is the son of Sheila and Charles Bright and is currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Ames

Molly Sanders has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Molly is the daughter of Calli and Rick Sanders and is a senior at Ames High School High School.

Ankeny

Zach Hoffman has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Zach is the son of Samantha Bailey and Chris Hoffman and is a senior at Carroll High School High School.

Bettendorf

Robert Beardsely has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Robert is the son of Kimberly Loehr and Robert Beardsely and is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School.

Boone

Paul Solomon has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Paul is the son of Elizabeth and Daniel Solomon and is a senior at Boone High School.

Cedar Rapids

Jonas Mason has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Jonas is the son of Debbie and Brett Mason and is a senior at Linn-Mar High School.

Cedar Rapids

Barak Spittle has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Barak is the son of Elena and Charles Spittle and is a senior at Linn Marr High School.

Clive

Nicholas Fox has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Nicholas is the son of Amy and John Fox and is a senior at Valley High School.

Clive

Connor McCann has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Connor is the son of Jana and Troy McCann and a graduate of Valley High School High School. He is currently enrolled at Iowa State University.

Clutier

Nathan Dvorak has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Nathan is the son of Dori and Thomas Dvorak and is a senior at Union High School.

Coggon

Diana Carney has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Diana is the daughter of Ilia and Cameron Carney and is a senior at Lake Braddock Secondary School High School.

Coon Rapids

Levi Pingrey has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Levi is the son of Julie and Kenneth Pingrey and is a senior at Coon Rapids-Bayard High School.

Council Bluffs

Alexander Jones has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Alexander is the son of Colleen and Jason Hertz and is a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School.

Cresco

Mark Farlinger has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mark is the son of Amy and Clint Farlinger and is a senior at Crestwood High School.

Cumming

Kallie Baughman has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Kallie is the daughter of Gayla and Kyle Baughman and is a senior at Valley High School.

Decorah

Micheal Foster has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Micheal is the son of Karen and Kent Foster and is a senior at Decorah High School.

Des Moines

Luis Martinez has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Luis is the son of Maria and Rafael Martinez and is a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School High School.

Granville

Caroline Ascherl has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Caroline is the daughter of Donna and Joseph Ascherl and is a senior at MOC-Floyd Valley High School.

Hudson

John Worthington has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. John is the son of Glynis and Wayne Worthington and is a senior at Hudson High School.

Iowa City

Yair Abramoff has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Yair is the son of Dewi and Michael Abramoff and is a senior at West Senior High School.

Iowa City

Jacob Cabbage has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Jacob is the son of Joanne and Michael Cabbage and is a senior at City High School.

Jewell

Sidney Alsager has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Sidney is the son of Stacy and Jerry Alsger and is a senior at South Hamilton High School.

Johnston

Jacqueline Galang has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jacqueline is the daughter of Tammy Galang and Emerito Galang and is a senior at Johnston High School.

Johnston

Jacob Orr has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jacob is the son of Suzanne and Timothy Orr and is a senior at Johnston High School High School.

Treynor

Dane Livengood has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Dane is the son of Heather and William Livengood and is a graduate of Treynor High School. He is currently attending the Greystone Preparatory School at Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas.

La Motte

Joseph Budde has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and to the U.S. Merchernt Marine Academy. Joseph is the Grandson of Thomas J. Budde and is a senior at Dubuque Senior High School High School.

Letts

Jaryd Huffman has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jaryd is the son of Rachel and Dyrk Huffman and is a senior at Muscatine High School.

Marion

Griffin Lorenz has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Griffin is the son of Leslie and David Griffin and is a senior at Linn-Mar High School.

Mason City

Lauren Casey has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Lauren is the daughter of Shelley and Edward Casey and is graduate of Mason City High School. She is currently attending the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

Norwalk

Ethan Pieper has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Ethan is the son of Alayne and Melvin Pieper and is a graduate of Norwalk High School. He is currently attending Iowa State University.

Orange City

Trever Huss has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Trever is the son of Carrina and Kerby Huss and is a senior at MOC-Floyd Valley High School.

Oskaloosa

Lauren Gorski has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Lauren is the daughter of April and Frank Gorski and is a senior at Oskaloosa Senior High School High School.

Otley

Joshua Bailey has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Joshua is the son of Stephanie and Scott Bailey and is a senior at Homeschool High School.

Pella

Jean Etnyre has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jean is the daughter of Jennifer Etnyer and Andrew Etnyer and is a senior at Pella Community High School.

Primghar

Gunnar Klinker has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Gunnar is the son of Dianne and William Klinker and is a graduate of South O'Brien High School.

Saint Charles

Michael Snell has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Michael is the son of Juli Henley and Todd Snell and is a senior at Interstate 35 Community High School.

Saint Donatus

Gabrielle Tath has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Gabrielle is the daughter of Amy and Ratha Tath and is a senior at Marquette High School.

Sioux Center

Graham Zomermaand has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Graham is the son of Lori and Dan Zomermannd and is a senior at Sioux Center Communitty High School.

Sioux City

Natalie Wender has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Natalie is the daughter of Jan and Donald Wender and is a senior at St Johns Preporatory High School.

Slater

Alexander Silberstein has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Alexander is the son of Patsey and Quentin Silberstien and is a senior at Ballard High School.

Springville

Andrew Lorimer has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Julie and Richard Lorimer and is a senior at Springville Secondary High School.

Underwood

Tobey Yates has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Tobey is the daughter of Honey and Arthur Yates and is a senior at Underwood High School.

Urbana

Elizabeth Hearn has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Elizabeth is the daughter of Paulette Hearn and Dennis Hearn and is a senior at Center Point Urbana High School.

West Burlington

Jeffrey Giannettino has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Jeffrey is the son of Valeen and Chip Giannettino and is a senior at Notre Dame High School.

West Des Moines

Luke Donnelly has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Luke is the son of Janet and Dennis Donnelly and is a senior at Roosevelt High School.

West Des Moines

Harrison Gudorf has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Harrison is the son of Shelley and Joe Gudorf and is a senior at Dowling Catholic High School High School.

West Des Moines

Kelly Lee has been nominated to the U.S. Miltary Academy. Kelly is the daughter of Haeduck Seo and Seungchul Lee and is a senior at Valley High School High School.

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10 Dec 2014

Harkin Announces More Than $79,000 for Homeless Veterans in Iowa

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa will receive a total of $79,318 in grant funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing program (VASH). The funding will provide homeless veterans with rental assistance. Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee and a member of the subcommittee that funds HUD.

"We are greatly indebted to our servicemembers. It is our duty to show our appreciation for them and their families by supporting them abroad and caring for them at home," said Harkin. "Programs like the Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing help us fulfill that duty."

The HUD VASH tenant-based vouchers will enable homeless veterans and their families to access affordable existing housing of their choice. Each veteran that receives a voucher will also receive an array of supportive services provided by the Veterans Administration.

Details of the funding are below:

  • Davenport Housing Commission: $30,468
  • Municipality of Council Bluffs: $48,850
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25 Nov 2014

Senator Harkin and Congressman McCaul to Present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Civil Air Patrol

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, December 10, 2014, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) will be joined by leaders of the U.S. House and Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of members of the Civil Air Patrol whose valor and dedication saved countless lives during World War II.  Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

Senator Harkin and Congressman McCaul introduced the legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Civil Air Patrol. The legislation passed the Senate in May 2013 and the House in May 2014. Their bipartisan bill received unanimous support and was signed by the President into law in May 2014.

"As the Commander of the Congressional Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, I am happy that the World War II members will receive this overdue recognition. Thousands of volunteers, many too young or too old to serve in the active military, took their own, often rudimentary, aircraft into the skies at great risk to themselves and successfully cleared the American coastline of enemy U-boats," said Harkin. "Between that mission, search and rescue missions, and even towing targets for live fire target practice, CAP helped us win the war and saved countless lives. I can think of no more fitting award for these men and women than the Congressional Gold Medal, and I am honored to have introduced this legislation."

"Decades after the end of WWII, it is long overdue and altogether fitting that Congress finally bestows this honor upon the WWII members of the Civil Air Patrol. The valiant efforts of these brave men and women who volunteered to defend our coastlines, provide essential combat support services, and fly dangerous humanitarian missions in America during World War II embodies the American Spirit of volunteerism. As the son of a WWII bombardier, this honor is especially significant," said McCaul. "I had the opportunity to meet with Jayne Price, a 92 year old member of the Civil Air Patrol earlier this year. I was impressed by her tales of perilous flights and inspired by her love for her country. This Gold Medal has been well earned by all members of the Civil Air Patrol, and I thank them for their dedication and service to our country."

Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) will take part in the bipartisan, bicameral ceremony.

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21 Nov 2014

Harkin Statement on EPA Renewable Fuel Standard Volume Obligation

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued a statement following the announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that they will not issue the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard Volume Obligations before the end of the year.

"The Environmental Protection Agency threw the biofuels industry into chaos and confusion when it proposed lowering 2014 renewable fuel requirements from what we enacted into law. Now, the EPA will allow the uncertainty it created to linger on, saying 2015 is the soonest it will announce the amount of renewable fuel that is required to be blended and used in 2014. The EPA went astray when it gave credence to the notion there is some arbitrary limit to biofuels' potential in our fuel supply. That is a wrong interpretation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the EPA must now issue renewable fuel requirements that meet the purpose and intent of the RFS to boost energy security and jobs while reducing fossil fuel use."

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21 Nov 2014

Harkin Announces More Than $790,000 to Expand Access to Health Care in Rural Communities

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the University of Iowa and Iowa Central Community College have been awarded a total of $790,350 to apply communication technologies for rural healthcare delivery. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program.  Harkin is a senior member of the Senate agriculture committee as well as the panel that funds rural development initiatives.

"Residents of all communities - both rural and urban - deserve access to quality medical care.  By using new technology, we are able to provide people in rural areas with the specialty medical care that many urban residents take for granted," said Harkin.  "I congratulate the University of Iowa and Iowa Central Community College for receiving this competitive funding."

The DLT Grant Program works to provide access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas.  Funding is provided to increase educational opportunities and expand health care.

Details of the funding are as follows:

  • Iowa Central Community College: $291,377 to provide career & technical education, special education support services, media & technology services, a variety of instructional services and professional  and leadership development courses to 600 students, 266 teachers and 150 community members via an interactive distance learning videoconferencing system. Iowa counties that will benefit include : Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster, and Wright.
  • University of Iowa: $498,973 to provide telemedicine videoconferencing services for Family Medicine at 40 rural sites, for Child Health Specialty Clinics at 9 rural sites and for Geriatric Outreach at 15 rural sites. Iowa counties that will benefit include : Allamakee, Appanoose, Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Cass, Carroll, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Clayton, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Emmett, Fayette, Fremont, Hardin, Henry, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Keokuk, Kossuth, Linn, Louisa, Mahaska, Marion, Montgomery, Page, Plymouth, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Shelby, Union, Van Buren, Washington, Wayne, Winneshiek, and Wright.
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18 Nov 2014

Harkin Statement on the Keystone XL Pipeline

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today delivered a speech on the Senate floor in advance of a vote on the approval of the Keystone XL Pipeline.

*As Prepared for Delivery*

"Mr. President, I oppose this legislation to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. This is one more step in the wrong direction, one more capitulation to our fossil fuel habit, and one more accelerant for the global warming that threatens our children's future.

"We have known that burning fossil fuels is bad for our air and water for well over 50 years. When we passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, and again when we strengthened it in 1990, we did so largely because of the harmful impacts of fossil fuels, because of the air pollution coming from burning fossil fuels in our power plants, our homes, our industrial facilities, and our vehicles. In those years, when we faced the clear evidence of widespread air pollution, we took strong actions. I remind you that those bills passed with bipartisan majorities of over 89 percent here in the Senate.

"We have known for over 30 years that burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. We have known for 20 years that those increases are likely to cause global warming and climate change. And for the last 10 years, we have had solid, overwhelming, incontrovertible evidence that the earth - both the continents and the oceans - is indeed warming. According to NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 9 out of the earth's 10 warmest years on record since 1880 have occurred in just the past 13 years, and 2014, is on track to become the warmest year of all since 1880.

"And in the face of this all of this evidence, what are we doing? We frequently find ourselves seeking to open new fossil fuel resources - or to expand production - and if that isn't enough we are going to do it by increasing production from a notoriously dirty source, the tar sands of Canada.

"Mr. President, decreasing our use of fossil fuels is a monumental task. I recognize the very extensive role that energy resources, including fossil fuels, play in our lives - from easing my travel here this morning, to providing the lighting and heating and electronic services we're using in this Senate chamber here and now, to enabling the construction of our cities and highways. But that is where we should be focusing on our energies - on reducing not increasing this reliance.

"But reducing fossil fuel dependence also creates a huge opportunity - and unlike building the pipeline it also offers major opportunities for creating new jobs. Proponents of the pipeline like to talk about the jobs it will create - and it will create a few jobs for a few years. But if instead of building the Keystone pipeline we committed to retrofit our buildings sector at an accelerated pace - to weatherizing our homes, our offices, and our schools and institutional buildings we would generate more and better jobs while also realizing low cost ways to actually reduce emissions.

"One study found that retrofitting residential and commercial buildings had the potential to reduce consumer demand by 30 percent by 2020 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.1 gigatons each year - at a savings of $680 billion. A second study found that retrofits could save $1 trillion in energy spending over 10 years and reduce CO2 emissions by 600 million metric tons each year - that is fully ten percent of our emissions.

"And what would retrofitting do for jobs? According to the Rockefeller Foundation it could create 3.3 million new jobs. Far more than construction of one pipeline could ever hope to generate and jobs that would last more than a couple of years.

"We already know how investments in renewable energy pay off. Up until about 10 years ago, Iowa produced essentially no energy. All of the energy used in Iowa -- for farming, for heating and air conditioning and lighting our buildings, and for transportation - came from outside the state. Today, Iowa gets over 25 percent of its electricity from wind. Iowa offers a similar success story when it comes to transportation fuels. Because of our 12 biodiesel plants and our 42 ethanol biorefineries, Iowa now exports about as much liquid fuel as it consumes. And both the wind production and biobased industries have meant good jobs for the people of my state - jobs that will be around longer than it takes to lay some pipe.

"Mr. President, the Keystone XL pipeline is one more shortsighted effort to increase our reliance on fossil fuels. It is a sad excuse of a jobs project - particularly when we know the way to create more and better jobs while simultaneously reducing emissions and saving money. I call on my colleagues to join me in opposing this Keystone XL pipeline bill."

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23 Oct 2014

Common Sense On: Registering to Vote

By Sen. Tom Harkin

On November 4, Election Day, Iowans will cast their ballots on key federal, state, and local races, and your vote is important. Democracy only works when informed citizens take the initiative to participate. If you have not yet registered to vote, now is the time to do so. Here is what you need to know about registering to vote:

When is the deadline to register?

The deadline to vote in the election on Tuesday, November 4 is Saturday, October 25.

However, if you have missed the registration deadline, you may still register to vote and cast your ballot during early voting or on Election Day. All you have to do is go to your regular polling place or early voting site. You can find that information here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx. There, you will need to prove both who you are and where you live. The easiest way to do this is to produce your valid Iowa driver's license with your current address printed on it.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

You can register to vote if you will be at least 18 years of age by Election Day, are a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state of Iowa, and have not been convicted of a felony or judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.

How do I register?

You can register to vote by mail or in person. To register by mail, download, print, and complete the voter registration form that is available on the Secretary of State's website: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/voteapp.pdf. Return the form to your county auditor's office by October 25. You can also register to vote in person at your county auditor any time before the voter registration deadline.

Am I already registered to vote?

You can check to see if you are already registered to vote on the Secretary of State's website: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/regtovote/search.aspx/.

For more information visit Senator Harkin's website at  http://harkin.senate.gov/, or follow him on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/ and Twitter  https://twitter.com/.

A PDF version of this article is available here.

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17 Oct 2014

Harkin Announces Nearly $48.5 Million in Low-Income Heating Assistance for Iowans

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), announced today that Iowa will receive an initial allocation of nearly $48.5 million to help low-income Iowans meet home energy costs. This funding was made available by language Harkin helped to secure in the fiscal year 2015 Continuing Resolution that passed Congress in September. This funding is part of a total of $3 billion announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) recipients throughout the country. Additional funding will be made available later in the year once a final fiscal year 2015 appropriations bill is enacted. Harkin is the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS subcommittee) that oversees these initiatives.

"No family should have to choose between paying their heating bill and putting food on the table," said Harkin. "Access to LIHEAP provides a safety net for low-income households, especially those with children, people with disabilities, and senior citizens. As temperatures begin to drop across the state, many Iowans will start to feel the effects of higher heating bills and this funding is welcome relief for the thousands of Iowans families that depend upon the program."

Last year, this program provided home heating assistance to approximately 85,000 Iowan households. Read more about Harkin's legacy in fighting for the middle class: http://www.harkin.senate.gov/labor.cfm.

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