As Iowa’s only member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Dave Loebsack received testimony today from General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker on military operations and political conditions in Iraq. The hearing comes on the heels of a report authored by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker received by Congress last month because of a change in the law authored by Congressman Loebsack in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. “I have the utmost respect and great... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today as the United States enters the sixth year of war in Iraq: “I have twice visited our troops serving in Iraq, it was an honor and a privilege to meet and thank Iowa soldiers honorably serving our country overseas. Today, as every day, I must commend every man and women in uniform for their service, sacrifice and dedication. Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine and their families must be provided with all the compassion and suppo... Read more

Today Congressman Dave Loebsack announced the Iowa City VA has received $5.85 million for the construction of a new cutting edge research facility. This funding was secured as a result of Congress’s efforts to increase funding for the building of new VA facilitates in the FY 2008 budget above the President’s requested levels. “Today I have the distinct pleasure to announce the Iowa City VA has received $5.85 million to build a new research facility that will allow the Iowa City VA to continue it... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack is currently visiting Afghanistan with a bipartisan group of Congressional colleagues. During this trip, Congressman Loebsack is meeting with our dedicated troops serving in Afghanistan to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Additionally, the Congressman will meet with military commanders and our NATO allies to discuss the level of resources necessary to assure success in Afghanistan. “I am proud to have the unique opportunity to personally thank our dedicated t... Read more

Today, as the United State House of Representatives convened to begin the second session of the 110th Congress, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) laid out his legislative priorities for 2008. “During my first year in Congress I am proud to say we began to take our country in a new direction, and passed legislation that will help the hard working families of Iowa’s Second District,” said Congressman Loebsack. “This year I am hoping to build on this momentum to address the economic, healthcare and... Read more

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack voted for final passage of H.R. 1585, the FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill. This legislation, which passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, supports our men and women in uniform as well as their families, improves the readiness and health of our Armed Forces, empowers the National Guard, and because of Congressman Loebsack’s amendment, increases the oversight of our ongoing presence in Iraq. “Increased Congressional oversight is crucial to our ability to ... Read more

Congressman Loebsack voted in support of the conference agreement on H.R. 3222, the Department of Defense Appropriations for FY 2008. This legislation, which passed the House of Representatives 400-15, includes $5 million in federal investments for Iowa’s Second District. Additionally, this bill takes necessary steps towards restoring our military’s capability to protect us at home and abroad and ensures our troops get the benefits they have earned. “Our brave men and women in uniform and their... Read more

Today Congressman Dave Loebsack voted in support of the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act, H.R. 327. Named for a soldier from Grundy Center who took his own life after returning from Iraq, this legislation directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase screening, counseling and provide other mental health services for returning war veterans. This legislation is needed to address the shocking rate of suicide among service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Following toda... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack is currently leading a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Iraq. During his second visit to Iraq, Congressman Loebsack will be meeting with American military leaders and Iraqi government officials, but most importantly he will have the opportunity to speak with and thank our dedicated troops. “As a member of the House Armed Service Committee I regularly receive testimony on the status of our military operations, however it is a true honor and privilege to shake the ... Read more

Today Congressman Dave Loebsack voted in support of H.R. 3087, an act to establish oversight of the Pentagon’s planning for redeployment from Iraq. This bipartisan bill requires the Department of Defense, within 60 days, to submit a report on the status of planning for redeployment from Iraq to the congressional defense committees, with updated reports every 90 days thereafter. “Safely redeploying our troops from Iraq will be a complex task that will require responsible planning and execution,”... Read more