LIHEAP funding critical for low-income families, the disabled, and senior citizens living on fixed incomes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Iowa has been awarded $3,451,729 through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency fund.  The funding will help eligible Iowans meet home energy costs and stay warm during the long winter months. Today's funding is in addition to the $67 million Senator Harkin previously secured for the state in Fiscal Year 2011, bringing Iowa's total LIHEAP funding to $70.5 million this year.

"During the harsh winter months, too many Iowans are forced to choose between paying heating bills and other necessities," Senator Harkin said. "This funding will help give thousands of low-income households, especially those with young children and elderly, a little breathing room so they can make it through the season."

A nationwide survey of households receiving LIHEAP aid found that 42 percent of recipients went without medical or dental insurance and 32 percent went without food for at least one day.  In 2009, the latest year for which data is available, 95,234 Iowan households received LIHEAP assistance - one of the highest numbers on record for the state.

For more information on Senator Harkin's work on LIHEAP, please click here.

Washington, D.C.- On Wednesday, January 26, the Iowa Congressional delegation will hold a ceremony to present Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta with a Joint Resolution honoring his incredible valor and courage on the battlefield.  Staff Sgt. Giunta, a native of Hiawatha, Iowa, was awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor, by President Barack Obama on November 16, 2010, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in Afghanistan on October 25, 2007.  

Senator Daniel Inouye, who received the Medial of Honors for actions taken on April 21, 1945 at Colle Musatello, Italy, will serve as the keynote speaker.  Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley will be joined by Congressmen Leonard Boswell, Tom Latham, Steve King, Bruce Braley and David Loebsack to present the Joint Resolution to Staff Sgt. Giunta on Wednesday, January 26,  in the Congressional Auditorium of the Capitol Visitors Center. 

WHO: Senator Daniel Inouye
Senator Tom Harkin
Senator Chuck Grassley
Congressman Leonard Boswell
Congressman Tom Latham
Congressman Steve King
Congressman Bruce Braley
Congressman Dave Loebsack
U.S. Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey, Jr.
U.S. Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta

WHAT: The presentation of a Joint Resolution honoring Iowa's own Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, recipient of the Medal of Honor.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 26, 2011.  The presentation ceremony will begin at 1:45 pm.  

WHERE: The Congressional Auditorium in the Capitol Visitors Center.

Harkin: Health Reform Has Delivered Prescription Drug Relief to Nearly 40,000 Iowans


WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 21, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that according to numbers released by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, 39,430 Iowans who fell into the Medicare drug coverage gap known as the 'donut hole' in 2010 have been mailed a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate check.  To date, 3 million Americans affected by the donut hole have received reimbursement checks.  Senator Harkin chairs the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee, which facilitates funding for the Department of Health and Human Services.  

"Too many Iowans are experiencing a gap in prescription drug coverage just when they needed it most," Senator Harkin said.  "One of the achievements of health reform has been to fix this injustice by lowering prescription drugs costs in Medicare until the donut hole is closed.  Today I am proud to announce that 39,430 Iowans have received one time, tax-free payments of $250 to help them cover expenses."


These checks are only the first step in how the Affordable Care Act, the health reform law, will reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries in the donut hole each year until it is closed in 2020.  Starting this year, eligible beneficiaries in the coverage gap will receive a 50 percent discount on covered brand name medications while in the donut hole.  In addition, in 2011 Medicare will begin paying 7 percent of the price for generic drugs during the coverage gap.


The closing of the donut hole is just one of the ways seniors benefit from the Affordable Care Act. In addition to savings on prescription drugs, the law provides new benefits to Medicare beneficiaries when they visit their doctor starting this year:


•    As of January 1, 2011,  Original Medicare no longer charges out-of-pocket costs for the "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam and, for the first time since the Medicare program was created in 1965, Original Medicare now covers an annual wellness visit with a participating doctor, also at no cost.

•    In addition to these annual wellness visits, most people with Medicare can now receive critical preventive services, including certain cancer screenings such as mammograms and colonoscopies, for free.

•    Also this year, the Affordable Care Act will provide qualifying doctors and other health care professionals providing primary care to people on Medicare a 10-percent bonus for primary care services.  This will help ensure that those primary care providers can continue to be there for Medicare patients.

Iowans with Medicare can learn more about these new benefits, search for participating doctors in their area, and find other helpful information by contacting a trained customer service representative toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting www.Medicare.gov.

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Harkin: EPA Decision on E15 an Important Step in Energy Strategy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 21, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today applauded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement that it will approve gasoline blends containing up to 15 percent ethanol (also known as E15) for year 2001 and newer vehicles.  On October 13, 2010, the EPA made the decision to allow E15 for only year 2007 and newer vehicles, and Harkin had expressed disappointment that a decision had not yet been made on older vehicles.  According to the EPA, in 2011 there will be more than 150 million model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles that can utilize E15, representing more than 74 percent of gasoline consumption.

"I applaud the EPA on its decision to allow E15 for year 2001 and newer vehicles.  The EPA's studies have now proven that these ethanol blends are safe for use in the majority of our on-road cars and trucks," said Harkin.  "The expanded use of ethanol-blend gasoline is an important component of our nation's overall strategy to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and jumpstart America's 'green' economy.  Today's announcement moves us forward in that effort.

"With today's good news I am hopeful that the EPA will continue its testing to one day confirm that E15 can be used in all vehicles, including those older than model year 2000.  And I will do all that I can to continue to expand the production and use of biofuels."

As the former Chairman and now senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Harkin has been a long-time leader in promoting the production and use of biofuels as an important part of the nation's energy strategy.   He has been especially active in pushing the EPA to allow E-15 for all vehicles. Efforts in 2010 included:

• On November 15, Harkin spoke on the Senate floor about the critical need to enable broad use of higher blends of ethanol across America by increasing the number of flex-fuel vehicles that can use them, and installing more blender pumps to dispense higher blends, and support development of biofuels pipelines for safer and more economical transport of biofuels. More information can be found here.

• On August 2, Harkin convened a meeting between a bipartisan group of senators and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson and Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman to urge prompt approval of E15 ethanol blend for use in all gasoline-fueled vehicles.  At the meeting, Harkin urged the approval of E-15, as well as E-20, which EPA is also reviewing.  More information can be found here.

• On June 28, Harkin and six other senators wrote to President Obama urging his Administration to move rapidly to integrate biofuels into the nation's transportation fuel supply.  In the letter, the senators expressed concern that the Department of Energy (DOE) had not yet completed testing of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline, which would allow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the use of gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol.  More information can be found here.

• On June 23, Harkin spoke on the Senate floor expressing his disappointment in EPA and DOE's delay in making a decision on E-15 and calling for an end to the delay.  Audio of that can be found here.

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Harkin Announces More Than $1.5 Million for Renewable Energy Projects in Iowa

Funding come from programs Harkin worked to include in 2008 farm bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 20, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that a total of $1,445,435.18 will be coming to Iowa to invest in renewable energy projects.  Of the funding, $1,334,499.18 will go to seven projects across the state to support the production and use of advanced biofuels through the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.  A total of $110,936 will go to five projects across Iowa in the form of study grants to determine the feasibility of renewable energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).  Both the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels and REAP were authorized under the 2008 farm bill, which Harkin shaped as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry.  Harkin is also a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds USDA.  More details of the funding can be found below.

"Investments in renewable energy are critical to Iowa - and our nation's - future.  Not only do they help to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, they also create new job opportunities and boost our economy," said Harkin.  "I commend Secretary Vilsack and everyone at USDA for awarding this funding and implementing these critical programs that we worked so hard to include in the 2008 farm bill."

Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels

Authorized under Section 9005 of the Farm Bill, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels authorizes payments to eligible producers to expand production of advanced biofuels.  Payments are based on the amount of advanced biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch.  Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose, crop residue, animal, food and yard waste material, biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas), vegetable oil and animal fat.  To find out more about the program click here.

The producer payments are intended to provide a financial incentive to biorefineries - a necessary step towards meeting the nation's renewable energy needs. The following is a list of biofuels producers that have received funding under USDA's Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels:

• Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (Based in Ames): $695,014.53
• Western Iowa Energy (Based in Sac County): $210,509.52
• Western Dubuque Biodiesel, LLC. (Based in Farley) $178,926.98
• Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC. (Based in Washington) $152,758.89
• Central Iowa Energy, LLC (Based in Newton): $80,571.13
• Sioux Biochemical, Inc. (Based in Sioux Center): $9,847.05
• Maple River Energy, LLC (Based in Ida County): $6,871.08

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

REAP loan guarantees and grants can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies and energy audits.  More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at:  http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapGrants.html

The award notices issued today were limited to feasibility studies on prospective REAP projects.  The Iowa recipients of today's funding are:

• Debarthe Wind, LLC: $5,300 for wind turbines
• Cherokee Wind, LLC: $21,141 for wind turbines
• Lutes Family Investment Group: $24,995 for wind turbines
• Prairie's Edge Renewables, LLC: $9,500 to promote biomass
• Alternative Carbon Resources: $50,000 to create a high BTU alternative fuel source

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Harkin Encourages Iowa Community Colleges to Apply for Grants to Prepare Workers for Jobs in Growing and Emerging Industries

Washington, D.C. - January 19, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will begin accepting applications for the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grant Program.  Nationwide, DOL will award approximately $500 million this year and a total of $2 billion over the next four years with each state guaranteed a minimum of $2.5 million each year.  The funding will be used to support the development and improvement of programs at community colleges that prepare students for successful careers in growing and emerging industries.  As Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Harkin has been a longtime supporter of community colleges and fought to include this funding in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act that was signed into law on March 30, 2010.

"Providing Iowa community colleges with the resources to train workers for new career opportunities provides an investment in our future," said Harkin. "It is one of the most important things we can do to keep Iowa's workers competitive.  I strongly encourage all community colleges in Iowa to apply for this funding."

The grant program will expand opportunities for workers by:

  • accelerating progress and reducing time to completion;

  • improving retention and achievement rates;

  • building instructional programs that meet industry needs; and

  • strengthening online and technology-enabled learning.


For additional information on how to apply for these grants, visit http://www.doleta.gov/grants and click on "Find Grants."

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Harkin Announces More Than $7.8 Million for Homeless Assistance Programs Across Iowa


WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 19, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that a total of $7,810,678 will be coming to homeless assistance programs across Iowa.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance competitive grant program provides funding for a range of assistance to homeless persons, including transitional housing, permanent housing and a variety of supportive services.  Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds housing initiatives.

"During these cold winter months we are reminded just how much we value having a roof over our heads. Sadly, many of our fellow Iowans are not as fortunate," said Harkin.  "This funding will help agencies and organizations across our state provide support services and housing options to help the homeless get back on their feet."

Among the funds to be distributed will be those to the following area programs:

CLINTON:

  • Clinton Area Substance Abuse Council DBA, New Directions will receive $104,223 for the Hightower Place Transitional Housing Program.
  • YWCA Clinton will receive $49,232 for the YWCA Transitional Housing Program.


DAVENPORT:

  • Family Resources Inc. will receive $39,525, as well as $38,946 in funding for the organization's VF Reach 2000 program.
  • Humility of Mary Shelter Inc. will receive a total of $973,429: $68,880 for Housing First, $37,549 for Renewed Efforts and Commitment for Housing (REACH) 2000, $220,000 for Service Coordination through Collaboration - Supportive Services Only, $155,000 for Service Coordination through Collaboration for Permanent Housing and $492,000 in funding for Service Coordination through Collaboration for Transitional Housing.

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Harkin: Biobased Label Lets Consumers Choose Goods that Help Economy, Environment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 19, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today released the following statement after Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced that USDA will launch the 'Biobased' label to let consumers know when a product is made of biobased ingredients.  Businesses across America are beginning to manufacture thousands of materials and products using agricultural and forestry crops and byproducts known as biobased feedstocks.  These include products such as lotions, cleaning supplies and a wide variety fabrics and plastics.  Under this new rule, companies can put the USDA biobased label on their qualifying products so consumers will know what percentage of an item is biobased and can select to use products made from natural materials.

"When thinking about our nation's dangerous dependence on foreign oil, it can be easy to forget that a large share of imported petroleum is not just used in cars and trucks - it is used to make thousands of products.  As we work to use less oil and focus on clean, homegrown sources of energy such as biofuels, we should also aim to use products that are made out of natural materials.  There are countless benefits to these products and they are great news for the U.S. economy and particularly rural economies - providing opportunity for thousands of young entrepreneurs, creating new income sources for farmers, and generating new manufacturing jobs in the industry.

"Previously, Americans wanting to purchase biobased products had no clear way of knowing what products were made of, but now thanks to the new USDA 'Biobased' label, consumers can pick products they know are good for the economy and environment.  I commend Deputy Secretary Merrigan and everyone at USDA for continuing to move forward to promote biobased products."

Harkin has played a significant role in working to promote the production and use of biobased products. As former-Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, he established a biobased product promotion program in the 2002 farm bill.  The program directs the federal government to give a preference to biobased products when it purchases of goods.  This procurement preference has already substantially increased the federal government's purchase and use of biobased products.  The new Biobased label is the second element of the 2002 farm bill biobased program and it is now being rolled out by USDA.

WASHINGTON - January 18, 2011 - Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services released a new report showing that, without the Affordable Care Act, up to 129 million Americans under the age of 65 who have a pre-existing health condition would be at risk of losing health insurance when they need it most, or be denied coverage:  

"The report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services reconfirms the vital importance of the Affordable Care Act's broad consumer protections.  The Department's analysis shows that up to 129 million Americans under the age of 65 have a preexisting condition, and millions more are likely to develop such a condition in the next eight years.  If Congressional Republicans had their way, these Americans would face denial or restriction of health benefits.  This report makes clear that we can't afford to deprive half of Americans under the age of 65 of this vital protection."

The HHS report comes on the same day of a new Associated Press-GfK poll that shows opposition to the Affordable Care Act diminishing among Americans.  

Last week, Harkin announced that the HELP Committee will hold a series of hearings to examine how the Affordable Care Act is benefiting Americans.  The first hearing will be held on January 27.
LIHEAP funding will help those in need stay warm during long winter months

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that Iowa has been awarded $26,431,102 through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The funding will help eligible Iowans meet home energy costs, and comes in addition to the $40.5 million in LIHEAP funding Senator Harkin previously secured for the state in Fiscal Year 2011.  Today's funding was facilitated by a provision Senator Harkin included in December's Continuing Budget Resolution.

"Winter can be a desperate time for Iowans who are struggling economically," Senator Harkin said. "This funding will help thousands of low-income households, especially those with young children and elderly, make it through the season."

A nationwide survey of households receiving LIHEAP aid found that 42 percent of recipients went without medical or dental insurance and 32 percent went without food for at least one day.  In 2009, the latest year for which data is available, 95,234 Iowan households received LIHEAP assistance - one of the highest numbers on record for the state.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As Americans across the country prepare to welcome the New Year, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) today highlighted new health care benefits that will take effect on New Year's Day.  These new provisions, established by the Affordable Care Act, will require insurance companies to give Americans better value for their premium dollars and provide seniors with discounts on prescription drugs and free preventive care.   

"What many Americans may not know is that as they're ringing in the New Year, they're also ringing in important new health care benefits created by the Affordable Care Act," said Chairman Harkin.  "Starting Saturday, insurance companies will be required to dedicate at least 80 percent of health care premiums to actual health care services rather than profits or executive salaries - and if they don't comply, their customers will get a refund.  Meanwhile, our senior citizens will be able to get big discounts on their prescriptions and free preventive care to keep them healthy."       

The Affordable Care Act was signed on March 23, 2010 by President Obama.  Harkin, as Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, played a pivotal role in the bill's passage and was on hand for the bill signing.

Among other new protections taking effect on January 1, the health care law will:

  • Give Americans Better Value for Their Premium Dollars - Insurance companies will now be required to spend 85 percent of all premium dollars collected for large employer plans on health care and improving quality of care.  For plans sold to individuals and small employers, at least 80 percent of the premium must be spent on benefits and quality improvement.  If insurance companies do not meet these goals because their administrative costs or profits are too high, they must provide rebates to consumers.
  • Offer Prescription Drug Discounts to Seniors - Seniors who reach the Medicare coverage gap known as the "donut hole" will receive a 50 percent discount on prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D.
  • Provide Free Preventive Care to Seniors - Seniors on Medicare will now be offered free preventive services, such as annual wellness visits and personalized prevention plans.

For a full list of provisions taking effect on January 1, please visit Healthcare.gov: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/timeline/index.html and for more information on the Affordable Care Act, please visit http://www.healthcare.gov/, http://www.whitehouse.gov/HealthReform or http://harkin.senate.gov/.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - (December 23, 2010) - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa will receive $335,000 for housing counseling programs across the state.  The grants were made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support a variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners and low-to-moderate income renters as well as the homeless.  The programs improve financial literacy, expand homeownership opportunities, improve access to affordable housing and preserve homeownership.

"Housing is one of our most basic needs, but in this economic downturn, quality, affordable housing is sometimes harder to find and for many, even harder to maintain;" said Harkin.  "These counseling programs provide an invaluable resource by offering a wide variety of assistance to a good cross-section of the population.  Coupled with the cold weather and the holiday season, this financial support comes at a critical time and will do a world of good."

Details of each award are as follows:

United Neighbors, Inc. in Davenport - $35,000

Home Opportunities Made Easy, Inc. (HOME, Inc.) in Des Moines - $44,340.85

Iowa Finance Authority in Des Moines - $166,486.41

Center for Siouxland in Sioux City - $45,324.10

Family Management Credit Counselors, Inc. in Waterloo - $43,849.23
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 46 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2011 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 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.  
"In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities," Harkin said. "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."  

After March 1, 2011, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2011, should go to http://harkin.senate.gov and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or they may contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319)365-4504.  

A list of this year's Quad Cities area nominees is below.

Bettendorf
Andrew Peterman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Carolyn and George Peterman and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Blue Grass
Samual Godwin has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Samual is the son of Mary and Steve Godwin  and is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Davenport
Samuel Larson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Samuel is the son of Cynthia and David Larson and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Maquoketa
Isaac Kinrade has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Isaac is the son of Julia and Steven Kinrade and is a senior at Maquoketa High School.

Muscatine
Tyler Husar has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Tyler is the son of Cindy and Mark Husar and is a senior at Muscatine High School.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement today after the Senate failed to pass the DREAM Act by a vote of 55-41.  Harkin is a co-sponsor of the bill. 

"I am appalled that partisan politics and the archaic filibuster stood in the way of passing the DREAM Act today.  My mother came to the United States as an immigrant and because of the opportunities in this country, I was able to fulfill the American dream.  It is a shame that we cannot extend the same opportunities to others who are willing to contribute to our country and abide by the rules.

"What's frustrating is that the DREAM Act was originally a bipartisan bill that was introduced by a Republican.  In 2003, it had the support of 15 Republican cosponsors.  Unfortunately today the minority has put partisan politics ahead of common sense legislation.

"Contrary to false rumors, this is not an amnesty bill.  Rather, it would have enabled children who are in America as a result of their parents' actions to contribute by attending college or enlisting in the military after completing high school.  These students would not have received immediate citizenship.  They would have to have arrived in the U.S. by the age of 15, displayed good moral character, passed criminal and security clearances, and lived in the United States for at least five years.

"Why would we want to turn away a college educated person who wants to add to our economy and tax base, or a person willing to fight for this county?  We wouldn't - and that is why failure to pass this bill is such bad news for these students and our nation's future."

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Washington, D.C -  Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today introduced a resolution in the Senate honoring baseball great Bob Feller who passed away on Wednesday.  Feller, a Van Meter native, was known as a great Iowan, a great baseball player and a great patriot.   The resolution was cosponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), George Voinovich (R-OH) and Jim Bunning (R-KY).

"This week we lost a great American," said Harkin. "Bob Feller was one of the greatest baseball players in history, but also a decorated soldier who willingly interrupted that career to enlist in the military to serve in World War II.   We do not just honor him because of his athletic achievements, we recognize him as a great American and patriot."

"Bob Feller knew the honor and duty of being an American, and he took that responsibility very seriously.  When his country needed him, he was the first to leave his professional baseball career and answer the call.  And, though most will remember him for his curveball, Bob Feller most wanted to be recognized for his service in World War II defending the United States from totalitarian powers and promoting liberty and freedom around the world," Grassley said.  

Feller started his baseball career as pitcher for Van Meter High School.  He went on to play 16 seasons in the major leagues, during which he had 2,581 strikeouts and 266 wins.  He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962.  Feller also served our Nation in the Navy during World War II, enlisting two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.   Due to his service, he lost four baseball seasons, but has said he never regretted his choice.

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

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