Braley Congratulates Blue Ribbon Schools 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement congratulating Greene Elementary in Butler County, St. Columbkille in Dubuque and St. Paul in Davenport for being named Blue Ribbon Schools.

"I am honored to congratulate the faculty, students, staff and parents at Greene Elementary, St. Columbkille and St. Paul for this incredible achievement," Braley said. "These schools demonstrate the best of education in Iowa. They have set themselves apart by creating well-rounded students who excel in the classroom and are dedicated to having a positive impact on their communities."

The Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high performing or have dramatically improved student achievement levels.

 

Braley Statement on Constitution Day 

Washington, DC - September 16, 2011 - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on Constitution Day:

On Saturday, we will celebrate the 224th anniversary of our Founding Fathers' signing of the Constitution.  Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past success of our founders in the forming of the Constitution, the two centuries of progress since, and the future promise of the United States under the guidance of the document given to us in 1787.

Constitution Day reminds us to review the whole document and what it means to our country, and shows that support for the Constitution requires more than chanting slogans at a political rally.  Calling yourself "strict constitutionalist" means nothing if you don't bother to read the entire Constitution and fight for everything it includes, not just the portions that fit neatly with your personal political philosophy.

As an Iowan, and a student of the Constitution for more than 30 years, I take pride in repeating our state's motto: "Our Liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."  Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the document that prizes our personal liberties and preserves our rights in a system of laws that recognize the individual spirit of every American, and has made our nation a shining beacon in the world.  The development of the Constitution has recognized the rights of all men and women, and created a system of equality that has helped our nation move past prejudice and discrimination in some of our darkest hours.

Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the system of justice for all by creating an impartial judiciary and a system of law that recognizes the rights of every citizen to file a grievance against their government or fellow man.  It lets us reflect on the goals of a responsive executive, a representative legislature, and a responsible judiciary working on behalf of all citizens to preserve their rights, respect their liberties, and allow for progress.  It reminds us to all work harder to support the progress of the United States.

 

Populist Caucus Chair Braley Condemns Bill that Would Outsource American Jobs

Washington, DC - September 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) called on members of Congress to vote against a bill that would outsource American jobs to other countries.  Current law gives the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) the ability to block companies from outsourcing or transferring their work to other countries.  The bill being voted on today would strip the NLRB of its authority to block the outsourcing of American jobs.

"It is irresponsible for Congress to be voting on this job killing bill today," said Rep. Braley.  "When our unemployment is still hovering around 9%, Congress needs to pass legislation that creates jobs.  This bill will send more American jobs overseas and put more Americans out of work.  I urge my colleagues to vote against this job-killing legislation."

Congressman Braley and the Populist Caucus have been strong supporters of proposals to create jobs in America.  The Caucus has supported various job creation legislation including bills that would reinvest in American manufacturing, rebuild our aging infrastructure and encourage more products to be made in America.

 

Braley Announces Over $6.5 Million for Lead-Based Paint Removal in Iowa Communities

Funds will make homes safer for Iowa families

Washington, DC - September 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced $6,655,557 in grant money for Davenport, Waterloo and Polk County. These grants will provide funding for lead-based paint removal in homes and promote healthy homes initiatives.

"Every Iowan deserves to live in a safe and healthy home," Braley said. "It's critical that Iowa communities have the tools to help residents make this happen, and this money will ensure that many more Iowans have a safe place to raise their families."

These grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Grant program.

 

Braley Demands Answers from Post Office on Possible Closures

"Rain, snow and sleet haven't stopped postal workers, but bureaucrats in Washington want to." 

Washington, DC - September 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) demanded answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) on the possible closure of four mail processing facilities in Iowa.  In a letter to the Postmaster General, Rep. Braley asked how many jobs would be lost as a result of these closures.  Rep. Braley also urged the USPS not to close any post office facilities until a full analysis of job losses are complete, and Iowans have had a chance for public comment.

"This action by the US Postal Service could mean hundreds of Iowans will soon be unemployed," Braley said.  "I have called on the Postal Service to provide an analysis of how many jobs will be lost and have asked that this decision not be made until Iowans have an opportunity to weigh in.  Now is not the time to lay off Iowa workers. I will fight this bad decision.  Rain, snow and sleet haven't stopped postal workers, but bureaucrats in Washington want to."

The USPS announced today that mail processing facilities in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Carroll and Creston will be studied for possible closure.  Rep. Braley is a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has legislative authority over the USPS.

 

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

 

Braley Announces $240,000 for Eastern Iowa Housing

Washington, DC - September 14, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced $240,000 in grant money for the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority. This grant will provide funding for programming to help public housing residents work towards economic and housing independence through empowerment activities and support services.

"This money is crucial for many residents of Eastern Iowa," Braley said. "As we continue to rebuild our economy, it is critical Iowa's communities have the tools they need to help working families get back on their feet and provide necessary support services."

The grant is awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) ROSS Service Coordinators Program.

 

Braley Greets Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

Thanks World War II veterans for their service

Washington, DC - September 13, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) welcomed the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight from Cedar Rapids. Braley greeted Iowa veterans at the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, a Cedar Rapids non-profit organization, is dedicated to sending local veterans to Washington D. C. to visit historical sites and war memorials. The organization serves  veterans of Linn, Jones, Benton, Tama, Iowa, Johnson, Washington, Marshall, Jasper and Poweshiek Counties.

HD video of the event can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9O-VdhcEeE

1080p HD Video can be downloaded here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21501138/Eastern.Iowa.Honor.Flight.Braley.09.13.2011.mp4

Hi-Resolution photos of the event can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/repbraley/sets/72157627664043646

 

Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)

1727 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(P) 202.225.2911

(F) 202.225.6666

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