Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack introduced legislation to increase the transparency of FEMA’s flood mapping process to ensure that property owners can more fully participate in the process of mapping and updating flood insurance maps. “I support the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and believe it was a vital tool in helping Iowans recover after the devastating Floods of 2008. However, too many homeowners and businesses in Iowa have been caught off guard by new or updated maps and have ha... Read more

Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 1540. The bill included Congressman Loebsack’s legislation to improve mental health care services for our National Guard and Reserve units, and language authored by Loebsack and Congressman Bobby Schilling (R-IL) to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal. “This Memorial Day, Iowans will come together to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and pay tribute... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Loebsack reintroduced the Reducing Barriers To Learning Act of 2011 to increase student access to critical services and to assist schools in addressing the non-academic factors that may affect students’ ability to learn. “We have to give every student the opportunity to succeed, and for many children that means providing services to address their safety, health, and wellbeing in addition to meeting their academic needs,” said Loebsack. “This legislation will hel... Read more

Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 1627, which included a bill sponsored by Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and the Disability and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) that would end an unofficial system of “reserved” gravesites for VIPs at Arlington National Cemetery. “Arlington National Cemetery is our nation’s most hallowed ground, and any eligible veteran who has fought for our nation should have the opportunity to be laid to rest there without reg... Read more

Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee marked up the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 1540. The bill included Congressman Loebsack’s legislation to improve mental health care services for our National Guard and Reserve units, and language authored by Loebsack and Congressman Schilling (R-IL) to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal. Loebsack also successfully included amendments that would help upgrade National Guard facilities, reduce energy costs at industrial facilities, and impro... Read more

This morning, the House Armed Services Committee approved provisions co-authored by Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congressman Bobby Schilling (R-IL) that will significantly strengthen the ability of the region to leverage assets of the Rock Island Arsenal for job creation and economic growth. The provisions, included in the House’s version of the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act, would enable arsenals to enter into more public-private partnerships (PPPs), allowing the Rock Island A... Read more

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack introduced the Statistics Teaching, Aptitude, and Training Act of 2011 (STAT Act) to improve statistics education and statistical literacy. “Our nation’s economy is becoming increasingly reliant on data, and organizations and businesses need employees with statistical knowledge and skills,” said Loebsack. “Unfortunately, many students are often unprepared to fill this demand. This legislation would help us to emphasize statistics education and make sure that our ... Read more

Today the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $268,201,084 in funding for next generation passenger rail equipment for Iowa and states across the Midwest to replace aging equipment that will help improve reliability and spur ridership. “I have long been a proponent of passenger rail and any help to expand the Midwest network will help make all rail lines more successful by encouraging increased ridership and promoting rail as a viable, convenient travel alternative,” said Loebsack. “Sinc... Read more

Today, the Veterans’ Affairs Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee passed HR 1627, legislation which advances key language sponsored by Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) that would end an unofficial system of “reserved” gravesites for VIPs at Arlington National Cemetery. “Arlington National Cemetery is our nation’s most hallowed ground and the mismanagement that has been uncovered at the cemetery is disgraceful,” said Loebsack. “Backro... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack issued the following statement in response to the Department of Labor’s announcement that the unemployment rate increased to 9 percent in April. “The national unemployment numbers released today are still too high and show that far too many individuals seeking jobs are still unable to find gainful employment. Many more families are understandably very worried about their economic future, and rising gas prices. It is clear that more must be done to support employment opp... Read more