In helping craft the health care reform bill, Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) was instrumental in creating numerous provisions that will help Iowans and all Americans. The health care bill, H.R. 3962, is currently being debated on the house floor. The bill will insure 96 percent of Americans and provide all Americans with stability and choice with their health care. “Today, we will vote for a bill that will ensure all Iowans have access to stable, quality, affordable health care," said Congress... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) today voted to extend unemployment compensation for Iowans. This month, Congressman Loebsack introduced legislation to expand extended unemployment benefits in Iowa, and other states, after the U.S. House passed a bill that did not benefit Iowa workers. In the amended Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, provisions similar to Congressman Loebsack’s legislation are included. The bill will help families hit hardest by the recession by extending unempl... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack, joined by the Iowa delegation, wrote to Administrator Fugate, urging FEMA to waive rent for the temporary housing program. FEMA recently granted an extension of the temporary housing program for an additional seven months until June 27, 2010. While this extension allows disaster victims an additional seven months to seek affordable housing, several problems remain within the temporary housing program. Currently, FEMA will charge residents the fair market value of rent,... Read more

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) voted to create new jobs and stimulate the economy by providing small businesses with access to the loans and investment dollars they need to expand and grow their operations. The Small Business Financing and Investment Act will help open credit markets that have shut out small business owners during this economic crisis, aiding job creation and economic development. Small businesses represent 97% of Iowa employers and over half of Iowa’s private-sector em... Read more

Congressman Loebsack secured critical investments for Iowa in the FY 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. The bill makes critical investments in disaster funding, including funding for FEMA management, disaster relief, and flood map modernization, and disaster relief loans. The bill also makes critical improvements in securing vital infrastructure such as aviation systems, ports, and surface transit while also including aid for our brave first responders. “This bill makes both short-term ... Read more

Members of the Iowa Delegation urge disaster relief reform in a joint letter to Chairman John Olver of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD). The letter supports an amendment that will allow disaster stricken communities greater access and use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster relief funds. The amendment, introduced by Senator Landrieu (D-LA) and co-sponsored by Senator Grassley and Senator Harkin, was added to the THUD Appropr... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) introduced legislation to extend unemployment benefits in Iowa after the U.S. House passed a bill that did not benefit Iowa workers. Earlier this month, the U.S. House passed H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act, which only applied to states with unemployment rates of 8.5% or higher. H.R. 3548 excluded several states, including Iowa. “My first priority is to represent Iowa, and right now too many Iowa families are struggling,” said Congressman L... Read more

Congressman Loebsack (D-IA) secured $1,406,000 for Iowans in the Agriculture Appropriations Act. Congressman Loebsack obtained funding that will aid Iowa farmers with conservation and environmental management measures, funding for the Watershed Demonstration Project, and the Soap Creek Watershed Project. The bill will need to be passed by the Senate, and will then be sent to the President’s office to be signed into law. “I am committed to working with our farmers and conservation organizations t... Read more

Today Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) voted to make college more accessible, transform the way our student loan programs operate, modernize our schools, and strengthen our community colleges – all at no additional cost to taxpayers. Additionally, the Congressman’s green school initiatives as well as several components of his workforce development legislation were added into the final bill. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) is a major step forward in President Obama’s initiat... Read more

“As the President has said, as I have said, and more importantly, as Iowan after Iowan has said, health care reform is long overdue, and doing nothing while health care costs skyrocket is unacceptable. Tonight’s address reminded all Americans that this issue is about much more than political points and posturing – it is about people’s lives. “People like Darlyne Neff, a 75-year old retired teacher from Iowa City, and a guest of the First Lady at tonight’s address. A cancer survivor, and an avid ... Read more