Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack issued the following statement calling for budget negotiations to move forward. “A government shutdown can be avoided, but it will require politicians in Washington to put our constituents’ priorities ahead of political games. Instead of voting on legislation that is meant to stir controversy over issues like abortion that have nothing to do with our economic recovery or the basic functions of government that our constituents rely on, House Leadership... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Dave Loebsack issued the following statement today as the House of Representatives continues to work toward and FY 2011 Budget. “Like all Iowans, I am deeply frustrated that political posturing is taking precedence over the needs of Iowa families, businesses and our economic recovery. Iowans are continuing to struggle, yet the political games continue and the House Leadership will not even pass legislation, of which I am a cosponsor, to stop Members of Congress and th... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack issued the following statement in response to the Department of Labor’s announcement that the unemployment rate decreased to 8.8 percent in March and the economy added 216,000 jobs. “I come home every weekend, and what I hear time and time again from constituents is that our country’s unemployment rate is still too high. There are far too many Iowans who are still struggling, and our priority must be job creation and economic development. In order to get our country ba... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack and Congressman Todd Russell Platts (R-PA) reintroduced the bipartisan Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success (SECTORS) Act, which passed the House of Representatives unanimously last year. The SECTORS Act will support “sector” or “industry partnerships”, which allow businesses, unions, educators, and the public workforce development system to develop and implement plans that help workers train for and advance in high-demand... Read more

WASHINGTON - Congressman Dave Loebsack joined a bipartisan Congressional delegation to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Loebsack was the senior Democrat on the trip. While in Pakistan, Loebsack and other members of the House Armed Services Committee discussed counterterrorism operations. In Afghanistan, Loebsack met with U.S. officials and military leaders, including General Petraeus and Ambassador Eikenberry, and Afghan officials, including Afghan Supreme Court Justices and local leaders. In addition,... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC -Yesterday, in a Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Congressman Dave Loebsack demanded an explanation for why the President’s budget proposal eliminates year-round Pell grants. Loebsack cited the popularity of the program, which began last year, noting that 760,000 students nationwide, and 6,618 Iowans, received year-round Pell funding in 2010. “In Iowa, and across the country, students are taking advantage of year-round Pell ... Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack travelled to Arlington National Cemetery to receive an update and see first-hand ongoing efforts by the Army to rectify mismanagement at the Cemetery, including improper burials, discarded headstones, damaged graves, and lax management. He was joined by his fellow members on the Military Personnel Subcommittee as well as the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee and was briefed by Kathryn Condon, Execut... Read more

WASHINGTON, DC— Yesterday, Congressman Dave Loebsack received the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Eagle Award from the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) for his distinguished service in advancing the interests of the enlisted Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard. The Eagle award is given to one U.S. Senator and one U.S. Representative each year. Congressman Loebsack was presented the award by EANGUS President Roger Hagan and Lieutenant General Harry Wyatt, Dir... Read more

Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack introduced the Embedded Mental Health Providers for Reserves Act of 2011, which would require the Pentagon to provide National Guard and Reserve units with mental health counselors during training and family readiness events to increase access and improve mental health care services. Congressman Tom Latham (R-IA) is an original cosponsor. “It is strikingly clear that mental health related illnesses are affecting our nation’s Armed Forces and are an increasing con... Read more

Congressman Dave Loebsack issued the following statement in response to the Department of Labor’s report that the economy added 222,000 jobs in the private sector, for a net gain of 192,000 jobs in February. “I am pleased that we added 222,000 jobs last month in key private sector industries. We must build on this momentum and continue to focus on job creation, support for small businesses and manufacturers, training for American workers, and support for working families. “We must promote an eco... Read more