Braley talked today with FEMA Administrator Fugate on outstanding flood recovery issues  

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) spoke with Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate about ongoing flood recovery issues still affecting Cedar Rapids years after the 2008 floods.  The call focused on FEMA's indecision in providing promised support for several flood recovery projects - indecision that could cost the city and taxpayers millions of dollars in lost funding for projects that were initially approved by FEMA but were later cut after work had started.

Braley also pressed Fugate on FEMA's inaction in processing several project funding appeals filed by the city of Cedar Rapids - which the city has been waiting for answers on for nearly a year.

"I had a productive conversation with Administrator Fugate today.  I made clear he was aware that Congressman Loebsack and I had discussed this issue with President Obama on Air Force One two weeks ago, and he assured me that FEMA is getting close to making final decisions on these critical flood recovery projects.  Without making any specific commitments, Administrator Fugate painted an encouraging picture for the city of Cedar Rapids.

"I'm cautiously optimistic.  Good news is long overdue, especially considering that four years after this disaster Cedar Rapids is still waiting for answers.  I'll continue working as long as it takes to make sure FEMA keeps their promises."

Braley inquired about FEMA decisions regarding debris removal at the Sinclair site and repairs to the city's Water Pollution Control facility.  Both sites initially received funding commitments from FEMA only to have the funding de-obligated after recovery work had begun.  Braley also raised concerns over outstanding program appeals the city had submitted close to a year before.

More than $1 Billion in Mortgage Relief for Illinois Families

CHICAGO - February 9, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois mortgage regulators have joined with their counterparts across the country to accept the terms of a national settlement with five of the nation's largest banks. Under the settlement, more than $1 billion will go to help struggling Illinois homeowners and those affected by improper foreclosures.

The settlement will provide direct assistance to distressed homeowners, including helping them to change the terms or payments of their mortgages so they can stay in their homes. The settlement will also provide monetary awards to families who lost their homes due to faulty foreclosure proceedings, and will reform the mortgage servicing practices that led to the problems faced by tens of thousands of Illinois families.

"Over the past years, we've seen how the flawed mortgage financial system has hurt Illinois families, and I want to thank Attorney General Lisa Madigan for her advocacy on this issue," Governor Quinn said. "This settlement will help those most affected by the housing crisis, and will establish new rules for mortgage lending that will be easier to understand and enforce."

The settlement significantly eases the way for families to modify the terms of their mortgages. For families that are at risk of default, money has been set aside to help reduce the principal balance on the loan and reduce monthly mortgage payments.

The settlement also provides direct help to homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than the current value of their homes. The banks will also allocate funds to reduce the principal balance, approve short-sales (where the property is sold for less than the balance on the mortgage, with the bank's approval) and allow for unemployed payment forbearance, which defers payments for homeowners who are between jobs. Under the terms of the settlement, the five lenders are barred from starting foreclosure proceedings on mortgage loans while the homeowner is in negotiations on loan a modification.

The State's Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is responsible for overseeing the activities of mortgage lenders and servicing companies. It has aggressively targeted mortgage fraud and sloppy or illegal loan processing and servicing. The settlement also includes $1 million for the state agency that will be used by IDFPR to continue its ongoing investigative and enforcement work.

Currently there are a slew of Iowa gun bills pending in the House and Senate. I supported the stand your ground bill, HF 573 and would like you all to know I have serious concerns about some of the other gun rights bills that have been filed. Some of the bills pertain to banning guns in proprietary places, lead shot ban, optional permits, and carrying on the Fairgrounds. Thank you for your emails expressing
your views on all this legislation as I look to my constituents for guidance on this and all issues.

We've talked about property tax before and there were two similar proposals between the Governor's office and House Ways and Means committee. As of now they are being consolidated into one bill. I'll keep you informed on its future in the House.

As all of you are aware, the Chinese delegation is coming to Iowa next week including China's Vice President Xi Jinping who is expected to succeed Hu Jintao as president of China. The visit will begin in Muscatine where Xi began his friendship with many Iowans. As expected, things are hectic here over the security and organizational aspect in anticipation of their arrival. Topics of discussion will be focused on trade relations and the substantial benefits of those relations to Iowa's economy. Iowa's exports to China have jumped 1,300% over the past ten years a direct result of our corn and soybeans selling so high.

Numeric standards for nitrogen levels in water won't be imposed according to the regional EPA director. This means that for now, Iowa farmers won't be affected when using nitrogen fertilizers.

Earlier the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would prevent the EPA from imposing anti-dust rules amid fears they would deny our farmers the use of farm equipment that kicks up dust.

As always you can reach me at the capitol building by visiting, emailing, or calling. Thank you all for sharing your views with me.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012–Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that government and industry leaders from the United States and China will gather in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, Feb. 16, for the first U.S.-China Agricultural Symposium. Vilsack traveled to China for the second time as Agriculture Secretary in November to continue to strengthen bilateral trade relations and support the American brand of agriculture throughout the Asia Pacific region. During the visit, Vilsack and Chinese officials developed the U.S.-China Agriculture Symposium as a key forum to expand their discussions into 2012 and beyond.

"I'm honored to welcome China's Vice President Xi Jinping and Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu to the United States, where we may continue our in-depth dialogue on issues of mutual concern," said Vilsack. "Thanks to the productivity of American farmers, ranchers and producers, consumers in China recognize the United States as a reliable supplier of high-quality food and agricultural products. Strengthening our partnership with China's growing market is integral to the strength of the U.S. economy in the decades ahead."

In 2011, China moved into the top spot as the number one market for U.S. agricultural goods, purchasing $20 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. The value of U.S. farm exports to China supported more than 160,000 American jobs in 2011, on and off the farm across a variety of sectors.

Chinese officials will also visit Washington, D.C., and California as part of their trip. The symposium will focus on current and future cooperation between the two nations in areas including food safety, food security and sustainable agriculture. The event will take place at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines.

"China and the United States have an opportunity and responsibility to work together to help increase the availability and use of sustainably produced food for a rapidly growing world population," added Vilsack.

The Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's leadership, has aggressively worked to expand export opportunities and reduce barriers to trade, helping to push agricultural exports to record levels in 2011 and beyond. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its best periods in history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers. Today, net farm income is at record levels while debt has been cut in half since the 1980s. Overall, American agriculture supports 1 in 12 jobs in the United States and provides American consumers with 86 percent of the food we consume, while maintaining affordability and choice. Strong agricultural exports contribute to a positive U.S. trade balance, create jobs, boost economic growth and support President Obama's National Export Initiative goal of doubling all U.S. exports by the end of 2014.

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