Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the release of $11 million in Social Services Block Grants. Social Services Block Grants can be provided to states following a disaster for an array of social and human services, including but not limited to health care, mental health care, elder care, and child care. “Social Services Block Grants are critical for Iowa’s long term recovery. Our communities, fa... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack has sent letters to the directors of federal agencies that have either been slow to release disaster assistance appropriated by Congress, or have yet to release any of the funding provided. The letters sent to the agency directors ask the departments to provide Congressman Loebsack with information on when the next disbursement of funding will take place, and the method used for determining the allocation of these much needed funds. The directors of the following agenci... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the release of $125.2 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). “Community Development Block Grants are critical in supporting our state and local recovery efforts following the devastating floods this summer by supporting neighborhood revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and economic development activities. I worked with my colleagues in Co... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after speaking with FEMA Administrator David Paulison regarding the test results released today on the levels of formaldehyde found in FEMA provided mobile homes. “In the wake of the devastating floods, the safety and well-being of flood victims is paramount. After learning that temporary housing units provided by FEMA may pose health risks due to unsafe levels of formaldehyde, I worked with FEMA Administrator David Paulison to ensure re... Read more

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack announced Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Paulison is following through on his commitment, and has agreed to offer re-testing of FEMA supplied mobile homes. Earlier in the week when it was brought to Congressman Loebsack’s attention that some FEMA mobile homes may currently contain unsafe levels of Formaldehyde, the Congressman immediately reached out to Iowa State FEMA Director Bill Vogel and National FEMA Administrator David Paulison. D... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statement on reports of unsafe levels of Formaldehyde being detected in temporary FEMA housing. “In the wake of the devastating floods, Iowa families continue to struggle as they work to rebuild their lives and homes. The health and safety of these families must be our number one concern throughout this recovery period, and I find it very troubling that the temporary housing units provided by FEMA may pose serious health risks. “It was bro... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statement as the Unites States Senate begins consideration of the Grassley-Loebsack Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 as a part of an updated economic stabilization plan. “In the wake of the devastating floods that hit our state in June, Iowans are struggling to get back on their feet. I am pleased President Bush signed into law last night the $22.9 billion in disaster assistance I worked to secure in the House approved spending b... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statement in anticipation of the President signing into law a spending package that includes $22.9 billion in disaster assistance, including $182 million for the construction of a new U.S. District Courthouse in Cedar Rapids. “Ever since the floods devastated communities throughout the Second District, I have been working day and night to secure the funding necessary for Iowans to recover and rebuild. As a result of this effort, I was able... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) released the following statement after learning the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will finally be releasing $85 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) later this week. “Communities, residents, and businesses affected by the floods have been struggling since the flood hit our state in June. Congress acted quickly to provide $2.65 billion to serve as a down payment on recovery efforts, but much of that assistance is only now ... Read more

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack and Governor Chet Culver announced that $60.8 million has been identified and is the final approval stage through FEMA for the restoration of the Cedar Rapids water treatment plant. “The City of Cedar Rapids was hard hit by the floods in June, and since that time the community has rallied together to begin the recovery process,” said Congressman Loebsack. “This funding is critical for ongoing relief effort because not only will it allow for repairs to the water t... Read more