Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Republican led Congress closed up shop until November to go home and campaign. From August 3rd through November 13th, the House leadership only scheduled a total of eight days of voting, while a mountain of critical work was left on the table. Among the issues that have not been dealt with include :
- Farm bill,
- Middle class tax cuts,
- Wind energy production credit,
- Sequestration,
- Comprehensive jobs package,
- Research and development credit,
- Violence Against Women Act,
- Postal reform,
- Sustainable growth rate,
- Biodiesel credit,
- Unemployment insurance,
- National Defense Authorization Act, and
- Expiration of Midwestern Area Disaster Bonds, to name a few.
"When the Republicans came into Congress two years ago they made a lot of promises, but in the end, all the American people got was a lot of hot air.
"Iowa farmers are suffering from the worst drought in decades and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing. Middle class families are facing a tax increase and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing. Iowa's wind energy economy is facing uncertainty and instability and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing. Folks are still in need of finding work and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing. The list of inaction really does go on and on and on.
"The fact that Republican Leaders in Congress are putting the 'closed' sign on the door of the Capitol is just another one of the games they have continued to play, but frankly, it is just irresponsible. There is too much critical work to get done before closing down. I have been calling on Congress to remain in session since early this summer and I remain committed to getting done the work that Iowans are demanding."
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