{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"IA\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395098", "LOEBSACK, CRAMER, EMMER, PETERSON, NOEM INTRODUCE BILL FIXING ARC COMMODITY SUPPORT PROGRAM", "2017-12-29", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A coalition of rural House members from the Midwest introduced a bipartisan bill to fix the flawed Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) Program. Reps. Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), and Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) introduced H.R.4654, a bill requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) when computing average county yields for the purposes of the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) Program.  The 2014 Farm Bill included two new programs for covered commodities, Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), allowing the producer to choose once per farm bill which policy they believe would provide the most effective safety net. In implementing the program, USDA elected to rely on National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) data from producer surveys to determine the yield variable for ARC rather than other more trusted data sources, most notably from USDAs Risk Management Agency (RMA). H.R.4654 would direct the Secretary to prioritize RMA data over all other forms in counties where RMA offers county-wide insurance products, while also allowing the Secretary of Agriculture flexibility for all other instances. Additionally, the legislation codifies USDAs earlier decision to operate the program based on the physical location of the base acres, rather than requiring producers to elect one county for all payments.  During my travels across the state and in meetings with farmers, I consistently hear about the difficulty they face with Agriculture Risk Coverage, said Loebsack. I am proud to have worked in a bipartisan way to address these problems as we move towards crafting the 2018 Farm Bill. Even though it is anticipated most producers will utilize the Price Loss Coverage going forward, our legislation provides a surgical fix to ARC in case the program is reauthorized in the next Farm Bill, said Cramer. Ahead of the 2018 Farm Bill, Im pleased to see our bipartisan coalition of rural members coming together again, like we did for the last farm bill, to find solutions that work for our producers. \"As Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Im working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve existing farm bill programs. While Ive never been a fan of ARC I do believe we can make improvements to its data sources that will give producers more confidence in the program. This bill is a good starting point for reauthorizing the farm bill next year, said Peterson.  The commodity program is critical for a number of reasons, said Noem. First and foremost, it provides an important safety net to producers. Additionally, by building safety-net programs, like ARC-County, into the budget rather than doing crisis-by-crisis emergency spending, we can better predict financial needs and avoid deficit spending. The 2014 Farm Bill made a number of important reforms to the program, but improvements are needed to make sure it functions as intended. Im optimistic the adjustments included in our legislation will make this critical safety net stronger and fairer. Click here to read the bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395096", "Loebsack Statement on House Passage of Ryan-McConnell Tax Plan", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed the final version of the Ryan-McConnell Tax Plan.The Ryan-McConnell tax plan that passed today will hurt too many Iowans. Congress should have done a better job fighting for Iowa's working families and providing relief for small businesses. Instead of increasing take home pay for all middle class families, the Ryan-McConnell plan focuses on slashing taxes for millionaires, billionaires and corporations. All of this is laying the ground work to cut Medicare and Social Security, gutting the benefits seniors have earned after a lifetime of work. Its just wrong.In order to truly get the economy going we must reward hard work and incentivize and encourage companies to invest in jobs in Iowa and not ship them overseas. As a father and grandfather, I strongly believe we also must address our nations debt in a reasonable way, not on the back of seniors, the middle class and hardworking families. Finally, it is fundamentally wrong that corporations and the wealthy, which already dont pay their fair share in taxes, will receive new, special tax breaks at the expense of too many hardworking Iowans and future generations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395094", "Loebsack Leads Legislation to Invest $45 Billion in Combating Opioid Epidemic", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation to secure resources to directly combat the devastating opioid epidemic that has swept the nation. The Combating the Opioid Epidemic Act invests $45 billion into the prevention, detection, surveillance and treatment of opioid abuse. This legislation builds on the bipartisan efforts that were included in the 21st Century Cures Act to provide states with additional resources and a long-term investment in this fight. Loebsack was joined by Reps. Annie Kuster (NH), Carol Shea-Porter (NH) and Grace Napolitano (CA) to introduce this legislation and it is the companion to a bill recently introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cIn my travels across Iowa and in meetings with law enforcement officers, I have heard firsthand about the need for additional local resources to help combat the devastating opioid epidemic that is sweeping across the nation,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cMen and women, old and young, rich and poor, rural and urban, no group has been immune to this epidemic. To best address the problem this commonsense legislation directs the necessary resources to states and local communities, where assistance is needed most.\u201d\u201cCommunities across New Hampshire and around the country are in the grips of a devastating opioid epidemic, and adequate funding is needed to combat it,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force. \u201cThis legislation will help provide those on the frontlines of this crisis with the resources they need to help strengthen treatment, prevention and recovery efforts. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together and swiftly pass this bill, and in turn, help save lives and repair families and communities that are suffering from this ongoing scourge.\u201d\u201cOver the past year, we have developed bipartisan consensus around evidence-backed approaches to address the raging opioid crisis with treatment, prevention, and enforcement strategies. However, all of these strategies require adequate and appropriately distributed federal funding,\u201d said Shea-Porter. \u201cIt\u2019s past time for Congress to invest in fighting this crisis on a scale that matches its severity, and today\u2019s bill will spur a much-needed investment.\u201dSpecifically, the Combatting the Opioid Epidemic Act would:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Authorize and appropriate $4,474,800,000 each fiscal year for substance abuse programs for the individual states through 2027. This funding would be added to the Account for the State Response to the Opioid Abuse Crisis created through the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed with strong bipartisan support last Congress.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Expand the use of funding already allowed under the 21st Century Cures Act. Under this legislation, states would be able to use this money for detection, surveillance, and treatment of co-occurring infections, as well as for surveillance, data collection and reporting on the number of opioid overdose deaths.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Support research on addiction and pain related to substance abuse, and authorizes and appropriates $50,400,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. Under the bill, the National Institutes of Health would be responsible for distributing this money.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395095", "Loebsack Statement on the EPAs Final RFS Obligations for 2018", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final 2018 volume obligations for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). In today\u2019s final announcement, the EPA kept stagnant the amount of biodiesel and conventional biofuels, like ethanol, required to be blended and chose to cut the amount of cellulosic biofuels required to be used next year.\u201cI am pleased that the amount of conventional ethanol required to be blended was kept at congressionally mandated levels in order to provide certainty and stability for the industry. At the same time, it is unfortunate that the final numbers did not increase the amount of biodiesel required to be used. Under the RFS, there is plenty of room for our famers to be able to meet increased blending requirements, but today\u2019s announcement does nothing to expand investments and growth in the advanced biofuels industry. Instead of acting to boost farmers and rural communities, the EPA has sat on its laurels when they could have been more aggressive and helped promote further growth.\u201cFolks in Iowa know that the RFS is working. It cuts down on our dependence of foreign oil, creates jobs, is better for our environment, and lowers the price of gasoline at the pump. As co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, I will continue to fight for a strong RFS.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395091", "Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Provide Job Training for Veterans", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation that builds on current public-private partnership efforts to ensure our veterans have the skills necessary to seamlessly enter the workforce after they return home. The Veterans Employment Training (VET) Act would provide grants to encourage local businesses and community colleges to offer our veterans the training needed to be successful in newly created jobs. Loebsack is a member of the Congressional Military Family Caucus and previously served on the House Armed Services Committee. \u201cAs a proud Marine parent I have long fought to make all veterans\u2019 transition from the battle field to home life as easy as possible,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cOne of the biggest struggles facing many of our veterans when they come home is returning to the workforce. That is why I recently introduced the VET Act to help veterans get the training needed in order to have the skills to be able to work and compete in our 21st century workforce.\u201dBackground on the Veterans Employment Training Act\r\nThe \u201cVeterans Employment Training (VET) Act\u201d builds on current public-private partnership efforts by encouraging community colleges to partner with local businesses to provide training for new jobs. For example, an employer that wants to create new jobs, but cannot find applicants with the necessary skills for these new positions, would be able to apply for a grant through the Department of Labor in order to fund a new jobs training program exclusively for veterans at the local community college. This legislation provides those veterans interested in pursuing a new line of work the opportunity to receive the training they need to find employment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395092", "Loebsack Successful in Effort to Ensure Life-saving Medical Research Continues", "2017-11-09", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after he helped lead a bipartisan push to ensure the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) remained within the Department of Defense (DOD). As part of negotiations over the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), provisions were struck from the bill that were originally included in the legislation and would have halted the research. Last month, Loebsack and a group of 179 lawmakers called for the CDMRP, which leads medical research into breast, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, as well as finding cures for neurological diseases, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder, to remain as part of the DOD. The CDMRP, which was established in 1992 by Senator Tom Harkin, has led to many advancements and breakthroughs in cancer research in order to improve the lives of our troops, veterans and their families.\u201cI am pleased to work with my colleagues in order to ensure the life-saving research happening within the CDMRP will continue at the Department of Defense. The CDMRP has led to important medical breakthroughs in cancer research that have helped improve and save the lives of our troops, veterans and their families.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395089", "Loebsack Legislation to Create National, Coordinated Response to Diabetes Signed into Law", "2017-11-06", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after President Trump signed into law S. 920, the National Clinical Care Commission Act. Loebsack and Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX) were the bipartisan cosponsors of the House version of this legislation, which passed by unanimous consent on a voice vote. This legislation will help improve and coordinate a national response to diabetes, and other metabolic and autoimmune diseases, by establishing a private-public Commission charged with making recommendations to streamline federal investments, as well as improving coordination and clinical care outcomes. November is recognized as American Diabetes Month to help raise awareness of the disease.Video of Loebsack discussing the legislation when it was passed by the House can be found here. \u201cThe signing of the National Clinical Care Commission Act will help bring together the best clinical endocrinologists, specialists and health care professionals in search of a cure for diabetes. This disease affects over 30 million Americans and costs $320 billion each year in health care costs. I thank President Trump for signing this bill into law and look forward to seeing the Commission get set up and begin its important work.\u201dThe commission brings together clinical endocrinologists, specialists, health care professionals, patients and representatives from the federal agencies. Specifically, the National Clinical Care Commission will help improve care by:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Identifying gaps where new approaches are needed to improve diabetes care\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Eliminating duplication and conflicting efforts and assisting in coordination across all federal agencies\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Leveraging the significant federal investment in public health by evaluating best practices and other resources and tools for diabetes health care professionals and patients\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Evaluating the utilization and data collection mechanisms of existing programs \r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Providing guidance on diabetes clinical care to maximize the effectiveness of our strong federal investment in diabetes research", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395088", "VIDEO: Loebsack Continues Fight for Cedar Rapids Flood Protection", "2017-11-02", "2017", "2017-11", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today, at an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing, questioned Charles Alexander, the Director of Contingency Operations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, about the delay in the construction of Cedar Rapids\u2019 flood mitigation projects. During the hearing, Loebsack inquired about the Corps use of the benefit-cost-ratio that decides which projects will be built and places smaller communities, such as Cedar Rapids, at a disadvantage. Loebsack also called for Director Alexander to submit in writing the current status of the Cedar Rapids flood mitigation projects.Video of Loebsack\u2019s exchange can be found here.\u201cIt was heartbreaking to see the devastation and loss of life that was left behind in the aftermath of the Hurricanes that affected the Gulf Coast region, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Seeing these images brought back memories of the damage Cedar Rapids suffered after the Floods of 2008. Iowans are also uniquely aware of how long the road to recovery can be as Cedar Rapids continues to wait for its flood mitigation project to be built. It was approved years ago, but to this day, construction has not begun. It is unacceptable that communities like Cedar Rapids continue to be put at risk because of a flawed measurement.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395090", "ICYMI: Loebsack Leads Effort to Ensure Life-saving Medical Research Continues", "2017-10-25", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Congressman Loebsack led a bipartisan group of 179 lawmakers in calling for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to remain within the Department of Defense. The CDMRP is leading medical research into breast, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancers, as well as finding cures for neurological diseases, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Established in 1992 by Senator Tom Harkin, the CDMRP has led to many advancements and breakthroughs in cancer research in order to improve the lives of our troops, veterans and their families. A Politico article on the letter follows.House lawmakers want medical research preserved in NDAA (Politico- Oct 24)  \r\nConnor O'Brien  Congressionally directed medical research programs funded by the Pentagon will \"grind to a halt\" if restrictions on the program are included in the National Defense Authorization Act, a large cadre of House lawmakers are warning. In a letter, 179 lawmakers from both parties urge House and Senate Armed Services leaders negotiating final defense policy legislation H.R. 2810 (115) to reject provisions in the Senate-passed bill. Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) is the chief proponent of the restrictions, arguing much of the spending is unrelated to warfighting. A bipartisan effort to remove the restrictions was blocked on the Senate floor. \"If enacted into law, the aforementioned sections would impose such unrealistic burdens that CDMRP efforts would grind to a halt,\" the lawmakers warn. The Senate-passed defense bill would place stricter requirements for the Pentagon to award a contract or grant. It also would require the Defense secretary and the service secretaries to certify that medical research projects \"directly protect, enhance or restore\" military service members' health. But the program, the lawmakers counter, \"has resulted in important medical breakthroughs\" and should be continued. \"Medical research to improve the lives of military families and military retirees would be eliminated, critical training programs for military medical staff would be restricted and proven and successful collaborative research and grant initiatives would be disregarded,\" they add. The letter was organized by four lawmakers: Ryan Costello (R-Pa.), Pete King (R-N.Y.), Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa) and Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395086", "Loebsack, House Biofuels Caucus Lead Call for Robust RFS Volumes", "2017-10-18", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after he, along with the House Biofuels Caucus, sent a letter to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, calling for a robust amount of biofuels required to be used in the U.S. over the next year. Additionally, the letter addresses the recent EPA actions and reports indicating the agency\u2019s intent to reduce advanced biofuel volumes and allow credits for ethanol exported overseas. Loebsack serves as a Co-Chair of the Biofuels Caucus.\u201cNever in its history has the EPA reduced the amount of advanced biofuels required to be used in the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Now is not the time to sit on our laurels. The EPA must expand the RFS and the use of biofuels, not slash it. Folks in Iowa know that the RFS works. It cuts down on our dependence of foreign oil, creates jobs here at home, is better for our environment, and lowers the price of gasoline at the pump. As co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to push the EPA to increase the volumes under the RFS.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395083", "VIDEO: Sec. Perry Refuses to Walk Back Administrations Attack on Iowa Jobs", "2017-10-12", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In response to questions from Congressman Dave Loebsack, Energy Secretary Rick Perry refused to answer whether he believes that the Administration would continue to support renewable energy, including wind and solar. In his appearance in front of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Loebsack asked Perry to definitively state on-the-record the Administration\u2019s commitment to renewable energy, including support for wind and solar energy, after EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt recently said he would do away with these important credits. In his answer, Secretary Perry refused to simply answer yes or no in regards to the Administration\u2019s commitment to renewable energy. Video of the exchange can be found here. \u201cThere is no hesitation among Iowans about the good jobs and boost to our rural economy that Iowa has seen because of our growing wind energy sector. I am disappointed that Secretary Perry did not unequivocally state that this Administration would continue to support renewable energy. Iowans know that wind works and is bringing good jobs to the state, boosting our rural economy and helping end our nation\u2019s dependence on foreign oil. We must continue to support these important initiatives that are important for our rural communities.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395081", "Reps. Loebsack, Jenkins Send Letter to HHS on Direct Supervision", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Recently, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-D) and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-R) sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Health and Human Services Don Wright to permanently prevent Medicare\u2019s enforcement of unreasonable and inflexible direct supervision rules for outpatient therapy services at Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and other small, rural hospitals. The bipartisan letter was signed by 54 other members of the House of Representatives.\u201cWe must keep fighting to ensure all Iowans have access to high-quality health care no matter where they live,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cCritical Access Hospitals play an important role in rural communities by providing access to primary, emergency, and acute care services. I have visited CAHs across the state that have struggled to meet the direct supervision requirement. I am proud to continue working with Rep. Jenkins on a bipartisan basis to permanently extend this rule to provide CAHs with certainty that they deserve.\u201d\u201cCritical Access Hospitals and small hospitals are the lifeblood of rural communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Jenkins. \u201cPermanently preventing the \u201cdirect supervision\u201d rule will help CAHs and other rural hospitals plan for the future and focus more on their patients. I will continue working to repeal burdensome regulations on our rural and critical access hospitals to ensure their continued presence and vitality throughout Kansas.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395082", "VIDEO: Loebsack Sponsored Legislation to Create National, Coordinated Response to Diabetes Heads to President for Signature", "2017-10-11", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives passed S. 920, the National Clinical Care Commission Act. This legislation will help improve and coordinate a national response to diabetes, and other metabolic and autoimmune diseases, by establishing a private-public Commission charged with making recommendations to streamline federal investments, as well as improving coordination and clinical care outcomes. Loebsack and Rep. Pete Olson were the bipartisan cosponsors of the House version of this legislation, which passed by unanimous consent on a voice vote and now heads to President Trump for his signature. Video of Loebsack discussing the legislation on the House floor can be found here. \u201cThe passage of the National Clinical Care Commission Act will help the nation undertake a more proactive and innovative approach to diabetes, for which the United States spends $322 billion annually,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cThe work of the Commission will help improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans living with diabetes, while simultaneously beginning the process of reducing the staggering impact of diabetes and its complications. I am proud that this bill passed by a unanimous vote and will fight to ensure the Commission is set up expeditiously so it can begin its important work.\u201dThe commission brings together clinical endocrinologists, specialists, health care professionals, patients and representatives from the federal agencies. Specifically, the National Clinical Care Commission will help improve care by:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Identifying gaps where new approaches are needed to improve diabetes care\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Eliminating duplication and conflicting efforts and assisting in coordination across all federal agencies\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Leveraging the significant federal investment in public health by evaluating best practices and other resources and tools for diabetes health care professionals and patients\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Evaluating the utilization and data collection mechanisms of existing programs \r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Providing guidance on diabetes clinical care to maximize the effectiveness of our strong federal investment in diabetes research", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395078", "Loebsack Welcomes USDA Disaster Designation", "2017-10-04", "2017", "2017-10", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for designating three Iowa counties that have seen extensive damage from the recent drought as primary natural disaster areas. Specifically, the counties of Appanoose, Mahaska and Monroe are included in this declaration.\u201cI applaud the USDA for their decision to assist the farmers and rural areas that were greatly affected by the drought this summer,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cI have toured some of the affected areas and have seen firsthand the damage to the crops. I will continue to fight to ensure those with significant damage get the assistance they need.\u201dBenefits are also available for the contiguous counties of Davis, Jasper, Keokuk, Lucas, Marion, Poweshiek, Wapello, and Wayne.All qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for Farm Service Agency\u2019s (FSA) emergency (EM) loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395074", "Loebsack Demands Answers from Equifax on Data Breach", "2017-09-13", "2017", "2017-09", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack, along with his Democratic colleagues from the Energy and Commerce Committee, demanded answers from Equifax after the company announced a massive data breach has compromised the personal information of more than 143 million Americans. In a letter sent to Richard Smith, the Chairman and CEO of Equifax, the members laid out a series of questions to gain additional information about who was affected, how Equifax plans to make impacted customers whole and what the company is doing to ensure additional breaches do not occur. The letter also asks why Equifax took more than a month to notify consumers of the unauthorized access to their personal information. \r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nInformation is available on the Iowa Attorney General\u2019s website for Iowans whose data may have been compromised. \r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\n\u201cWe are writing with serious concerns about the immense scale of this data breach, and we have a number of questions about whether Equifax took appropriate steps to safeguard the personal information of consumers,\u201d the Energy and Commerce Committee members wrote in their letter. \u201cYour company profits from collecting highly sensitive personal information from American consumers- it should take seriously its responsibility to keep data safe and to inform consumers when its protections fail.\u201d\r\n \r\n\u00a0\r\n \r\nThe letter requests answers to detailed questions, including:\r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Why did it take Equifax more than a month to announce this massive data breach?\u00a0 \r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How did Equifax determine that offering credit monitoring services for one year \u2013 provided by Equifax itself \u2013 would be adequate to make consumers whole?\u00a0 \r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 How much money per year would an affected customer pay Equifax to extend the \u201ccomplimentary\u201d credit monitoring services beyond one year?\u00a0 How much money would Equifax make after one year on credit monitoring services that would be unnecessary but for Equifax\u2019s failure to safeguard consumer data?\r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What measures is Equifax implementing after the event to improve the protection of consumer information residing on its network?\r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What measures is the company taking to investigate the sale of stock in the aftermath of the company\u2019s discovery of the data breach, including whether these or other executives sought to delay the announcement of the data breach?\r\n \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What measures, other than offering credit monitoring services and identity theft protection, is Equifax taking to mitigate harm to consumers?", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395068", "Loebsack, Grassley, Ernst, Johnson Issue Joint Statement on VA OIG Review of Brandon Ketchums Care at VA", "2017-08-03", "2017", "2017-08", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Loebsack, Grassley, Ernst, Johnson Issue Joint Statement on VA OIG Review of Brandon Ketchum\u2019s Care at VA\r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        August 3, 2017 | \r\n      Joe Hand\r\n      (202-225-6576) \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      The Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA OIG) today released the results of its review of the circumstances of veteran Brandon Ketchum\u2019s suicide and whether Ketchum received adequate mental health treatment at the Iowa City VA Health Care System. Rep. Dave Loebsack, Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst and Sen. Ron Johnson sought the review.\u00a0 The Members of Congress made the following comment.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis case is a tragic example of why we must do better for our veterans. It also illustrates the importance of having independent watchdogs at federal agencies.\u00a0 Inspectors general review agency work and point out problems that need to be fixed and ensure that policies and procedures in place are adequate.\u00a0 In this case, the inspector general report made four recommendations to improve mental health treatment for veterans going forward, but could not determine if these shortcomings impacted Brandon\u2019s care.\u00a0 With an average of 20 veterans committing suicide a day, the VA must do everything in its power to extend help before it is too late. When it comes to caring for these brave men and women, there is no room for error. We expect the VA to implement the recommendations thoroughly and carefully, and we intend to make sure the VA does so.\u00a0 The VA should go beyond the recommendations if necessary. We all have to work as hard as possible to make sure all veterans receive the care they need and deserve.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe VA OIG\u2019s four recommendations include:\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The OIG recommends that the Acting Under Secretary for Health ensure that facility staff conduct thorough post suicide reviews to include all information that provides valuable context and details related to the event.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The OIG recommends that the System Director ensure that the system No-Show policy and practice for mental health patients is in alignment with the expectations of the Office of Mental Health Operations and that system leaders monitor compliance.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The OIG recommends that the System Director ensure that clinicians update outpatient mental health treatment plans according to applicable requirements and guidance and that system leaders monitor compliance.\r\n\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The OIG recommends that the System Director ensure that the Mental Health Treatment Coordinator program complies with the Veterans Health Administration requirements and guidance, and that system leaders monitor compliance.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe inspector general report is available here.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395067", "Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Hold Congress Accountable During Healthcare Debate", "2017-07-14", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation to ensure Members of Congress are held accountable when dealing with the healthcare coverage of millions of Americans. Loebsack\u2019s legislation, the Holding Congress Accountable on Healthcare Act, would mandate that if Congress passes legislation, which makes changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the enactment of that legislation leads to an increase of the uninsured rate, Members of Congress would no longer be eligible to be enrolled under a health plan offered through an ACA Exchange, Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, or any other Federal health care program. They would also no longer be eligible for any Federal tax credit or subsidy with respect to health insurance coverage.\u201cMembers of Congress are elected by their constituents to be their voice in Washington, not pass laws that do one thing for Iowans but leave Members untouched. When Members of Congress vote on legislation that could lead to an increase in the nation\u2019s uninsured rate, they must be able to live by the same rules they are forcing on the American people. If Congress passes legislation that causes folks across the country to lose their healthcare insurance, they too should feel the same pain. I strongly believe that Members of Congress must have a personal stake in the future of our nation\u2019s healthcare policy.\u201dSpecifically, the Holding Congress Accountable on Healthcare Act, states that if legislation is signed into law that makes changes to the ACA and the uninsured rate rises above what it was on January 20th, 2017, then Members of Congress would lose eligibility to receive any coverage through the ACA Exchange, Federal Employee Health Benefit Program, or any other Federal health care program. When the ACA was passed into law, language was included in the bill that mandated that Members of Congress and their staff buy health insurance on the newly created health insurance exchanges Currently, Members of Congress and their staff, are not exempt from the ACA and receive their health insurance through the Washington D.C. Healthlink.Since coming into office, Loebsack has set out to change the culture of Washington. Starting in 2007, he worked to pass the largest ethics reform since Watergate. He is also pushing to cut member\u2019s pay, which hasn\u2019t been cut in over 80 years, end the revolving door between lobbyists and Congress, get budgets passed on time, and is fighting to hold Members of Congress accountable for actually doing what they were sent to Washington to do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395066", "Loebsack Encourages Students to Apply for Fall Internships", "2017-07-07", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his office is now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in a Congressional internship program. Positions are available in Loebsack\u2019s Iowa City, Davenport or Washington, D.C. offices. The Congressional internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major. Fall internships typically begin around Labor Day and run through the end of the year, though specific dates can be set for each individual.\u201cAs a former educator, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cI encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply.\u201dInterns based in Washington, D.C. will focus on learning about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with the legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Interns based in Iowa City or Davenport will focus on providing constituent services and interacting with members of the community. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample, a letter of recommendation and specify which office you are applying to intern in (Iowa City, Davenport or Washington, D.C.) to LoebsackInternship@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395065", "Loebsack Statement on Trump Administration Plans to Lower RFS Volumes", "2017-07-05", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its intention to cut the amount of advanced biofuels required to be used next year in the U.S. At the same time, the EPA announced it will keep stagnant the amount of conventional biofuels, like ethanol, used in the U.S. If these actions are finalized, it would result in the first cut ever to the use of advanced biofuels in our nation. Loebsack serves as the co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus and has fought to ensure that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) remains strong.\u201cFor all of President Trump\u2019s promises to fight for rural America, it appears he once again has turned his back on Iowa\u2019s farmers and rural communities. Never in its history has the EPA reduced the amount of advanced biofuels required to be used in the U.S. under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Additionally, the amount of conventional biofuels, like ethanol, to be used in the U.S. will remain stagnant. Now is not the time to sit on our laurels. We must aggressively push for the EPA to expand the RFS and the use of biofuels, not slash it. Folks in Iowa know that the RFS is working. It cuts down on our dependence of foreign oil, creates jobs, is better for our environment, and lowers the price of gasoline at the pump. As co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, I will continue to fight for a strong RFS.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395084", "Mr. President: In Iowa, wind energy equals jobs", "2017-07-03", "2017", "2017-07", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Originally published in the Cedar Rapids GazetteMr. President: In Iowa, wind energy equals jobs As you drive across I-80, or on the many gravel roads throughout our state, you see a lot of jobs gently blowing in the breeze. Across the nation, more than 88,000 people work in the wind energy industry, including 7,000 here in Iowa alone. On top of that, the industry is poised to expand rapidly. A recent study suggested Iowa could employ 20,000 workers in the wind energy industry in only three short years. That is because Iowans know investments in renewable energy, like wind or solar, are investments in our rural communities. In Iowa, we are proud to be home to three factories that manufacture various parts of the wind turbine. From the blades to the towers, Iowa\u2019s hard-working men and women are making the parts right here, where they live, work and play. That means these jobs can\u2019t be exported. Renewable energy sources not only create jobs, but they also lower our dependence on foreign oil and reduce CO2 emissions. Iowa leads the way in the percent of electricity that comes from wind energy. Currently, 35 percent of Iowa\u2019s electricity is produced by wind. By 2020, it is estimated that over 40 percent of our electricity will be produced by wind. If the state and federal government continue to support this industry, there is no end to what we may be able to achieve. With all that Iowans know about wind energy, I was shocked that President Trump would come to Cedar Rapids and attack it. Across the state, the wind energy industry has received bipartisan support since 1983, when Iowa became the first state to sign a renewable energy mandate into law. Throughout that time, Iowa has witnessed the benefits from wind energy and has seen its potential growth. Continued investment in Iowa\u2019s wind energy industry not only creates jobs that can\u2019t be shipped overseas, but will set the stage for long term energy independence and continued economic growth in our rural communities. Investing in wind also helps keep Iowans\u2019 electricity bills lower than average. According to the Iowa Policy Project, during the time since Iowa began using wind power, the average cost Iowans pay for electricity has decreased, while the average cost of electricity has increased nationwide. Whether it is the jobs created or the reduced dependency on oil, it is clear to all Iowans that wind works! \u2022 Congressman Dave Loebsack represents Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District and resides in Iowa City", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395062", "Loebsack Statement on the Congressional Baseball Practice Shooting", "2017-06-14", "2017", "2017-06", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after a gunman opened fire on a practice for the Congressional Baseball game.\u201cI was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of this morning's shootings. My thoughts and prayers go to Congressman Scalise, the injured staffers and law enforcement officers who were hurt by this senseless act of violence.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395059", "Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Protect Iowans Access to Healthcare Coverage", "2017-06-02", "2017", "2017-06", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Amid reports that Iowans who rely on healthcare insurance purchased through a state's exchange could be left without any options for coverage, Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation to protect Iowans where no coverage options may be available. \u201cFolks in Congress need to understand that these are real people and real lives we are talking about. My legislation is not meant to be a permanent fix, but we need to give the folks in Iowa who could lose their insurance an option aside from entering into the state\u2019s high-risk pool, which is often expensive and provides poor coverage,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cBoth Washington and Des Moines need to come together and provide a way forward that will ensure stability for Iowans who rely on the exchange to provide their healthcare coverage.\u201dThe Healthcare Options for All Act would provide any Iowan living in a county with no access to a qualified health plan offered through a state\u2019s Exchange access to health insurance coverage. The coverage would be provided through the DC Health Exchange, called DC Healthlink, which is the same coverage offered to Members of Congress and their staffs through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Loebsack continued, \u201cMy number one goal throughout the debate over healthcare insurance has been to ensure Iowans have access to quality, affordable coverage. If the reports of all insurers pulling out of Iowa\u2019s Exchange do become reality, then it is imperative for those Iowans to have access to healthcare coverage.\u201dSenator Claire McCaskill from Missouri has introduced the same legislation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395058", "Loebsack: New CBO Score Reaffirms Republicans Healthcare Repeal Plan Will Rip Coverage from Millions of Americans", "2017-05-24", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its newest analysis of the plan Republicans passed through the House to repeal healthcare coverage. The report concluded that over ten years, approximately 23 million fewer people would have their healthcare coverage than under the current legislation. \u201cToday\u2019s new CBO report reaffirms what many have feared \u2013 that even with the tweaks made by Republicans, this plan rips healthcare coverage from millions of Americans. It does this while giving the top 400 highest income families an annual $7 million tax break. The bill continues to put Iowa\u2019s and America\u2019s most vulnerable, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor, at greater risk by cutting nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. There is no doubt that we must continue to improve the ACA, but cutting millions of Americans from having coverage is not a way to do that. I will continue to fight to ensure Iowans get the healthcare coverage they need and deserve.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395055", "Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Modernize Nations Schools", "2017-05-18", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation that would provide funding to update and modernize our schools. The Renew America\u2019s Schools Act would provide $100 million dollars per year for five years to create a competitive federal grant program through the Department of Energy for schools to modernize and make energy-efficient upgrades to their facilities. Loebsack\u2019s Renew America\u2019s Schools Act was also included as part of a comprehensive infrastructure package that was introduced by Loebsack and his colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. That package includes a $40 billion investment for broadband deployment across the country, including rural communities. \u201cThe environment in which our students learn and educators teach can have an immense impact on the quality of education our children receive. Unfortunately, many of our nation's schools are in a state of disrepair,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cThe Renew America\u2019s Schools Act is a win for workers, students and parents. It will help create jobs immediately, while producing long-term cost savings for our schools due to increased energy-efficiency, all while providing our students with top-notch learning environments.\u201dLoebsack has long helped lead the effort in the House of Representatives to not only make the necessary investments in repairing and rebuilding our nation\u2019s public schools, but has worked to ensure renewable and energy efficient technologies are used in these projects. In 2008, he first introduced the Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Needs School Improvement Act (GREEN School Improvement Act), to address the state of disrepair in public schools. The legislation passed the House in the 111th Congress and large portions were included in the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act that passed in 2009.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395053", "Loebsack Announces Winner of 2017 Congressional Art Contest Peoples Choice Award", "2017-05-09", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Loebsack Announces Winner of 2017 Congressional Art Contest People\u2019s Choice Award \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      \u201cDuck Creek\u201d by Davenport West\u2019s Andre Garcia to be displayed in U.S. Capitol \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        May 9, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that a black and white photograph, entitled \u201cDuck Creek,\u201d by Davenport West High School sophomore Andre Garcia, was selected to represent Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District in the 2017 Congressional Art Contest. The People\u2019s Choice Award winner was selected in an online competition in which more than 1400 votes were cast. \u201cDuck Creek\u201d will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year and Garcia will receive a free trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the unveiling and a reception to honor all of this year\u2019s winners.\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cEach year I am more and more impressed by the creativity, ingenuity, and talent of our local high school students. I send my congratulations to all of the young artists whose wonderful submissions made it a very close contest this year. I especially want to congratulate Andre and look forward to welcoming him and his family to Washington and seeing his artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol,\u201d said Loebsack.The artwork of the first and second runners-up will be displayed in Loebsack\u2019s district offices in Davenport and Iowa City. The first runner-up was \"Joy\" by Haley Bensen from Keokuk High School and the second runner-up was \u201cAutumn\u201d by Bailey Turner from Davenport West.Winner:\r\nAndre Garcia, Davenport West\r\nDuck CreekFirst Runner-up:\r\nHaley Bensen, Keokuk High School\r\nJoySecond Runner-up:\r\nBailey Turner, Davenport West\r\nAutumn\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395052", "Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Improve Access to Mental Health Services", "2017-05-08", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack recently introduced two bills to address how to better provide mental health services for those in need. The Children\u2019s Access to Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Act and the Behavioral Health Care Integration Act both build on Loebsack\u2019s work to increase access to mental health services, but to also chip away at the stigma surrounding mental illness. Loebsack was raised by his single mother who struggled with mental illness and has long worked to reduce the stigma of mental health, while working to help those who are struggling.\u201cI, like so many others, have personally felt the effects of mental illness in my family, having grown up with a mother who struggled with mental illness. And for far too long, for far too many people, mental health issues have been left in the shadows,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cIf we want to really make a difference in the overall health and wellbeing of Iowans, we need to recognize that the brain is part of the body and should be treated as such. These two pieces of legislation will help those in need get the treatment and care they need.\u201dBackground on LegislationThe Children\u2019s Access to Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Act (H.R. 2337)\r\nMental health services are already underutilized for children, and when issues go unidentified and unaddressed, they often manifest later in life. Untreated, these issues can emerge in impaired school performance, strained peer-to-peer relationships, criminal justice problems, physical maladies, unemployment later in life and more. Early intervention is the key, but there are serious barriers to access for our children.Currently, these integration programs are funded through a patchwork of short-term public and private grants. While Child Behavioral Health Access Programs are making real progress in expanding access to behavioral health services for children and adolescents everywhere, we must do more to incentivize providers to get involved. The CAMHS Act\u2019s enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) will help grow these programs to make sure our children get the mental health care they need. Behavioral Health Care Integration Act (H.R. 2336)\r\nPhysical and behavioral health issues often go hand in hand. Tragically, individuals with mental health or substance use disorders die at a young age at higher rates than the average American, often due to chronic medical illnesses that go untreated. Further, behavioral health conditions complicate the treatment of physical illnesses. We can work to improve the overall health and wellbeing of these patients by providing access to a team of providers who have experience in addressing all of their needsBehavioral Health Care Integration Act would help improve access to mental health services by creating competitive grants for merged practices that offer both mental health services and primary care within the same shared space in the same facility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395046", "Loebsack Statement on House Passage of Republicans Healthcare Repeal Bill", "2017-05-04", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House Republicans passed legislation that would repeal the ACA, putting in jeopardy the healthcare coverage of more than 171,000 Iowans and 24 million Americans. This legislation also opens the door to eliminating the guarantee that pre-existing conditions will be covered for 1.3 million Iowans. \u201cToday\u2019s vote is the culmination of seven years of Republicans using healthcare as a political football rather than have an honest debate on making healthcare more affordable and accessible for all Iowans. When the ACA was passed, we closed the door on insurance companies being able to charge someone who has been sick whatever they want. This bill opens that door, leaving it possible that 1.3 million Iowans with pre-existing conditions like asthma, diabetes and cancer will be subject to higher payments or even the loss of coverage altogether. \u201cOn top of all of that, this bill gives massive tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires and corporations, imposes an \u201cage tax\u201d, puts healthcare for seven million Veterans at risk and would mean an increase in out-of-pocket costs for children with disabilities. As always, I remain committed to fighting to ensure all Iowans have access to quality, affordable healthcare coverage.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395045", "Year-Round Pell Grant Eligibility for Students that Loebsack & Bustos Fought for Included in Todays Omnibus Legislation", "2017-05-03", "2017", "2017-05", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack and\u00a0Congresswoman Cheri Bustos  today announced that the fiscal year 2017 Omnibus Bill, which is expected to be passed in the House today, provides year-round Pell Grant eligibility which was the focus of bipartisan legislation they introduced this year.\u201cAs someone who was only able to attend college with the help of student aid, I was proud to author the original year-round Pell legislation that gave students additional flexibility to get the education they deserve,\u201d said Congressman Dave Loebsack. \u201cRestoring funding for the year-round Pell program in the spending bill will help reduce barriers to higher education institutions, which has been my goal since introducing this legislation. This bill would help provide Iowa\u2019s students with the necessary training and resources required to be successful in the 21st century global economy.\u201d\u201cTo get ahead in the world, a lot of hardworking young men and women take classes in the spring, summer and fall semesters, but they can only take advantage of the Pell grant system for two of them. I thought that was wrong which is why I worked across the aisle to introduce legislation to fix this problem and I\u2019m especially proud that we were able to get language into today\u2019s funding bill that provides year round eligibility for Pell grants,\u201d said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. \u201cEvery American should have the opportunity to work hard and succeed. Making higher education more accessible and affordable is a critical part of achieving that goal.\u201dIn March, Reps. Loebsack and\u00a0Bustos  introduced the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act with lead co-sponsors Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Carlos Curbelo. This legislation would enable students to receive Pell Grant assistance year round, whereas now students can only receive it for two semesters per year.The Federal Omnibus bill, which is expected to pass today, includes language to allow students to receive Pell Grants year round.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395044", "Loebsack Announces Start of Online Voting for 2017 Congressional Art Contest", "2017-04-28", "2017", "2017-04", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that online voting to select the 2017 People\u2019s Choice Award winner to represent Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District in the Congressional Art Contest has now begun. The artwork that receives the most votes will be named this year\u2019s winner and will be displayed in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol for one year. The winning student and one parent or guardian will also each receive a free flight to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). This year, Loebsack\u2019s office received nearly 30 entries. Once again this year, to open the process to as many Iowans as possible, the winner will be chosen by the public. Voting is now open and will close on Thursday, May 4th at 5:00pm CDT. The winner will be notified and announced shortly after. \u00a0To vote, visit https://loebsack.house.gov/artcontest2017, scroll through the entries and select from the dropdown list at the bottom.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395011", "Loebsack, Bacon Reintroduce Legislation to Cut Member Pay", "2017-03-30", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced today that he has reintroduced legislation that would cut Member\u2019s pay for the first time since the Great Depression. Loebsack was joined by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) in cosponsoring the legislation. The bipartisan Congressional Halt in Pay Increases (CHIP IN) and Cut Congressional Pay Act (HR 1786) would cut their pay by 10 percent and repeal automatic pay increases that currently take place.\u201cI came to Washington to fight on behalf of hard working Iowans and I strongly believe that those elected to serve shouldn\u2019t be in it to line their own pockets. That is why it is time to cut Members\u2019 pay and stop the automatic increases that come along with it,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cAs part of my commitment, I will continue to fight to hold Members of Congress accountable and ensure they are doing the job they were sent to Washington to do. It is time to end the pay system that has prevented any cut in Congressional pay since 1933 \u2013 over eight decades ago. Now is time for action. Congress must show the American people that they are serious about restoring fiscal discipline. There is not a better place to start than with Members of Congress\u2019 own pocketbooks.\u201d\u201cAs leaders of our nation, it is incumbent upon us to lead by example, which is why I am co-sponsoring a measure to cut Congressional salaries by 10%. This demonstrates our willingness to share in the burdens we ask others to bear. I made a promise to rein in our crippling $20 trillion national debt, and this is the first of many measures to do just that. I believe this is necessary to show the American people we are serious about being good stewards of the hard-earned money they entrust us to manage for the nation,\u201d said Bacon.Since coming into office, Loebsack has consistently called for Members of Congress to be held accountable and has worked to change the culture of Washington. Starting in 2007, he worked to pass the largest ethics reform since Watergate. In addition to authoring the CHIP IN and Cut Congressional Pay Act, he has previously cosponsored legislation that would end the revolving door between lobbyists and Congress, get budgets passed on time, and hold members of Congress accountable for actually doing what they were sent to Washington to do.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395009", "Loebsack Announces 2017 Congressional High School Art Competition", "2017-03-29", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that high school students in the Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District may now submit their original artwork to be considered for the 2017 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The deadline for entries to be received is April 21st.\u201cThe vast amount of talent that Iowa\u2019s students display year after year continues to amaze me. The creativity of our talented young artists demonstrates that the arts are thriving in Iowa,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cFor a young artist, having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I look forward to seeing this year\u2019s entries and meeting the winning student.\u201d Once again, to make the contest as easy as possible and open to as many students as possible, this year\u2019s winner will be chosen by the public through an online vote. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack\u2019s website. All entries must be received no later than Friday, April, 21st at 5:00pm CDT. The artist of the winning piece will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the reception and unveiling of their artwork in the Capitol (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). For additional details about the competition, students or teachers should contact David Leshtz at 319-351-0789 or by email at David.leshtz@mail.house.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395002", "Loebsack Statement on the House Republicans Pulling the ACA Repeal Bill", "2017-03-24", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after House Republicans pulled the legislation that would repeal the ACA.\u201cToday is the inevitable result of seven years of choosing cynical political rhetoric over honest policy debate. I remain committed today, just as I have been every day, to work in good faith with anyone in an honest attempt to improve the lives and healthcare of hardworking Iowans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395001", "Loebsack Statement on Delaying the Healthcare Repeal Vote", "2017-03-23", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after House Republicans pushed back a scheduled vote on their plan to repeal the ACA. Republican leaders have been saying for the past week that there would be a vote on their repeal bill this evening. \u00a0\u201cAfter seven years and a billion dollars in campaign advertisements spent, Republicans still haven\u2019t been able to come up with a plan to provide quality, affordable healthcare to Americans. The legislation they\u2019re trying to pass, which was cobbled together late in the night and behind closed doors, rips healthcare coverage from 24 million Americans, rations care for the nations most disadvantaged, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor, puts increased pressure on rural hospitals and implements an \u201cage-tax\u201d, all to give a tax break to millionaires, billionaires and corporations. I am hopeful that Republicans will now put this farce behind them and start talking about issues that matter to Iowans, like creating jobs, expanding rural broadband and increasing rural healthcare access.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395000", "Loebsack Leads Call for Dollars and Data to Improve Rural Wireless Coverage", "2017-03-22", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "At a recent Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing, Congressman Dave Loebsack led the call for a direct investment in expanding both fixed and mobile broadband, especially in rural areas. He also called for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide more reliable data to map and target where additional broadband access is needed. \r\n\r\nClick here to watch Dave\u2019s full opening statement. Text of Loebsack\u2019s statement:\u201cBroadband is not a luxury for rural America. It\u2019s survival. I think that everybody who\u2019s here today understands that.\u201cCommunities cannot thrive if they are left behind as the rest of the country moves forward. \u201cInvesting in broadband creates jobs, and it helps communities grow. \u201cThere are two critical things we need to connect these communities. Dollars and Data. We are talking about dollars, but we also need data.\u201cWe need direct investment in fixed and mobile broadband, just like we invest in other types of infrastructure. And we need data. \u201cRight now, the data the FCC is using to determine where to invest in wireless shows that the entire state of Iowa, for example, is covered. Madam Chair, I would like to ask unanimous consent to enter into the record a map that I have here of coverage of Iowa. \u00a0\u201cAs you can see folks, according to the FCC, all of Iowa gets 4G LTE coverage according to the FCC at the moment. \u201cNow I am constantly driving through my 24 counties to meet with constituents in Iowa, and I can tell you and they can tell you as well, this is not the reality. It\u2019s just not a reality. We have dead spots, dropped calls, poor speeds and more in some areas. \u201cThat is why I recently introduced the Rural Wireless Access Act, to improve these maps. We have to have good data, we have to have good maps. We have to get the data right so that we target resources to fix the problem. So data is absolutely critical folks, not just the money. \u201cThank you, and I yield back.\u201dClick here for more information on Loebsack\u2019s legislation, the Rural Wireless Access Act. A significant digital divide remains between urban and rural America. Congressman Loebsack is a leader in working to close this divide by promoting broadband deployment throughout rural America. Loebsack serves on the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications issues. He also serves as a co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394998", "Loebsack Statement on President Trumps FY2018 Budget", "2017-03-16", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack made the following statement today after President Trump released his budget for FY2018.\n\n\n\n\u201cIt has long been said that a budget is a set of priorities, a vision of where one believes the country should be headed. The budget that the President unveiled today fails to reflect the priorities of Iowans I meet when traveling around the state. This budget cuts investments in programs that have a proven record of creating jobs and growing the economy, disinvests in education, cuts important funding for rebuilding our infrastructure, eliminates vital workforce training programs, does away with loans to ensure Iowans have access to clean water, and turns off assistance to low income families to help manage heating and energy costs. We need to pass a budget that grows our infrastructure, invests in Iowa\u2019s small towns and rural communities, and ensures any child who wants to can afford to attend college.\n\n\n\n\u201cAs a father and grandfather, I am very concerned about the future we will leave to our children. It is clear that there is fat that needs to be trimmed from the budget, but slashing everything from job creation programs to services for rural communities, isn\u2019t the way to go about it. This budget makes it clear that the White House is out of touch with reality. We need a budget that works for all Americans, not just millionaires, billionaires and corporations.\u201d\n\n\n\nSpecific cuts that will have a direct impact on Iowans:\n\n\n\nAgriculture\n\n- Cuts $95 million from the Rural Business and Cooperative Service that offers programs to support business development and job training opportunities for rural residents\n\n- Eliminates the $500 million Water and Wastewater loan and grant program that funds rural water and waste infrastructure\n\n\n\nCommerce\n\n- Eliminates the $221 million Economic Development Administration, which provides grants to struggling communities\n\n\n\nHHS\n\n- Cuts the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget by nearly twenty percent\n\n- Eliminates LIHEAP, which helps low income families afford heating and energy costs\n\n- Eliminates the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), including the 1,500 Iowans working with the AmeriCorps program\n\n- Eliminates the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)\n\n\n\nTransportation\n\n- Eliminates Essential Air Service, which subsidizes flights to rural airports, including a $1,917,566 cut to Burlington\n\n- Eliminates TIGER grants that invest in road, rail, and transit projects\n\n\n\nHUD\n\n- Eliminates $3 billion CDBG program, which hurts rural infrastructure and provides help for modest income families in Iowa\u2019s cities\n\n\n\nEducation\n\n- Cuts $2.4 billion in grants for preparing and training teachers\n\n- Cuts $1.2 billion for after-school and summer programs\n\n- Cut $3.7 billion in grants for teacher training\n\n\n\nFEMA\n\n- Cuts $581 million for disaster response, including:\n\n- Public Assistance Funding: Supports the rebuilding of schools, hospitals, bridges, water treatment plants, and all kinds of public buildings, facilities and infrastructure. These grants also assist with covering the costs of debris removal and cleanup efforts in the immediate aftermath of a disaster\n\n- Individual Assistance Funding: Enables people who have lost their homes to find temporary housing as well as provide food and shelter for their families\n\n- Hazard Mitigation Grants: Provides support to fix vulnerabilities that were exposed in the most recent disaster, like relocating or elevating homes that were damaged\n\n\n\nEnergy\n\n- Eliminates the Weatherization Assistance Program", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394999", "Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Improve Rural Wireless Coverage", "2017-03-16", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack introduced legislation today that would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish standards for collecting wireless coverage data. Currently, there are no standards that define how wireless coverage is determined, meaning that coverage maps can be incomplete or inaccurate. Without accurate coverage maps, resources needed to improve wireless access will not be directed to the areas that need the most help, including rural areas. The Rural Wireless Access Act of 2017 (HR 1546) will help make sure maps are accurate so that resources to improve wireless voice and mobile Internet services go to the areas that need it the most.\n\n\n\nThis legislation was introduced as part of a package of Energy and Commerce Committee bills aimed at improving economic opportunity for all Americans. Rural wireless access is critical to keeping rural communities competitive and ensuring all Americans have access to the communication technologies that are driving innovation.\n\n\n\n\u201cIt is clear to anyone who lives in Iowa, or has traveled across the state, that wireless coverage can be lacking. As I drive through the 24 counties in my district, I often have calls dropped or cannot get a strong signal. Unfortunately, the data that the FCC uses to improve coverage doesn\u2019t tell the same story,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cWe can\u2019t invest in wireless access without accurately understanding the problem. This legislation would make sure that the FCC is using the best data to improve wireless coverage throughout rural America. Not only does building out wireless access create jobs, but it is necessary for our rural communities to thrive and be competitive in the 21st Century.\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cExpanding broadband to places without access attracts new businesses and new opportunities. At a time when so many Americans are feeling uncertainty in their lives, we have a responsibility to help. I commend Congressman Loebsack for his leadership in expanding wireless access to areas that need it most,\u201d said Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.).\n\n\n\nA significant digital divide remains between urban and rural America. Congressman Loebsack is a leader in working to close this divide by promoting broadband deployment throughout rural America. Loebsack serves on the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications issues. He also serves as a co-chair of the Rural Broadband Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394996", "Representatives Loebsack, Stivers Announce Reintroduction of Homeless Children and Youth Act", "2017-03-14", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representatives Loebsack, Stivers Announce Reintroduction of Homeless Children and Youth Act f t # e Washington, March 14, 2017 | (202-225-6576)\n\n\n\n\u201cAs someone who was raised in poverty by a single mother who struggled with mental illness, I have seen firsthand how community supports can make a difference in people\u2019s lives. I am also sadly aware that some children may slip through the cracks and we cannot allow that to happen,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cIn order for our children to excel, especially those who are homeless or have nowhere to go, we must make it easier on them to access homeless assistance programs. The Homeless Children and Youth Act will help communities best provide for those who are most in need.\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cNo child should ever be without a home, let alone be forced to navigate bureaucratic red tape just to prove that they are actually homeless,\u201d Stivers said. \u201cThis bill will be a first step in identifying the scope of the youth homelessness issue so we can help some of the most vulnerable in our communities. I want to thank everyone who came to the Huckleberry House today in support of this legislation for their work to combat youth homelessness.\u201d\n\n\n\nCurrently, the Housing and Urban Development Department\u2019s (HUD) definition of \u201chomeless\u201d is inconsistent with other federal agencies. This legislation would expand HUD\u2019s definition of \u201chomeless\u201d to include all children and youth who are already verified as homeless by several other federal educational and social services programs.\n\n\n\nTo read the full text of the bill,\n\nToday, Representatives Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Steve Stivers (R-OH) announced the reintroduction of the Homeless Children and Youth Act. This legislation provides a more accurate system for the federal government to understand the problem of youth homelessness and help better serve this population. The Senate companion bill is sponsored by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA).\u201cAs someone who was raised in poverty by a single mother who struggled with mental illness, I have seen firsthand how community supports can make a difference in people\u2019s lives. I am also sadly aware that some children may slip through the cracks and we cannot allow that to happen,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cIn order for our children to excel, especially those who are homeless or have nowhere to go, we must make it easier on them to access homeless assistance programs. The Homeless Children and Youth Act will help communities best provide for those who are most in need.\u201d\u201cNo child should ever be without a home, let alone be forced to navigate bureaucratic red tape just to prove that they are actually homeless,\u201d Stivers said. \u201cThis bill will be a first step in identifying the scope of the youth homelessness issue so we can help some of the most vulnerable in our communities. I want to thank everyone who came to the Huckleberry House today in support of this legislation for their work to combat youth homelessness.\u201dCurrently, the Housing and Urban Development Department\u2019s (HUD) definition of \u201chomeless\u201d is inconsistent with other federal agencies. This legislation would expand HUD\u2019s definition of \u201chomeless\u201d to include all children and youth who are already verified as homeless by several other federal educational and social services programs.To read the full text of the bill, click here f t # e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394995", "Loebsack Statement on the CBO Report Confirming Republican Healthcare Plan Rips Coverage from Millions", "2017-03-13", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Loebsack Statement on the CBO Report Confirming Republican Healthcare Plan Rips Coverage from Millions f t # e Washington, March 13, 2017 | (202-225-6576)\n\n\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s CBO report confirms what many had feared \u2013 that this Republican plan rips healthcare coverage from millions of Americans while giving the top 400 highest income families an annual $7 million tax break. The bill also puts Iowa\u2019s and America\u2019s most vulnerable, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor, at greater risk by cutting nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. I remain committed to working to fix the ACA so that it works better for all Americans.\u201d\n\n\n\nKey Findings of the CBO Report\n\n- 24 million Americans will lose their health coverage \u2013 including 14 million in 2018 alone;\n\n- Under the GOP bill, 19 percent of the nonelderly population will be uninsured in 2026, compared to 10 percent in 2026 under current law.\n\n- The bill would have the effect of slashing Medicaid by $880 billion over the next 10 years.\n\n- Under the GOP bill, a 64-year-old with an income of $26,500 in the individual market will pay $12,900 more in their premiums each year.\n\n- By defunding Planned Parenthood for one year, the bill would have the result of many women losing access to care, including contraceptives and other family planning services.\n\n- The bill gives $600 billion in tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and large corporations \u2013 including $2.8 billion to the 400 richest families in America alone.\n\nCongressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released their report on the Republican plan to repeal the ACA. The report concluded that in the next 10 years, 24 million fewer Americans will have health insurance coverage than under the current bill.\u201cToday\u2019s CBO report confirms what many had feared \u2013 that this Republican plan rips healthcare coverage from millions of Americans while giving the top 400 highest income families an annual $7 million tax break. The bill also puts Iowa\u2019s and America\u2019s most vulnerable, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor, at greater risk by cutting nearly a trillion dollars from Medicaid. I remain committed to working to fix the ACA so that it works better for all Americans.\u201dKey Findings of the CBO Report- 24 million Americans will lose their health coverage \u2013 including 14 million in 2018 alone;- Under the GOP bill, 19 percent of the nonelderly population will be uninsured in 2026, compared to 10 percent in 2026 under current law.- The bill would have the effect of slashing Medicaid by $880 billion over the next 10 years.- Under the GOP bill, a 64-year-old with an income of $26,500 in the individual market will pay $12,900 more in their premiums each year.- By defunding Planned Parenthood for one year, the bill would have the result of many women losing access to care, including contraceptives and other family planning services.- The bill gives $600 billion in tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and large corporations \u2013 including $2.8 billion to the 400 richest families in America alone. f t # e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394993", "Loebsack Continues Effort to Support Students Relying On Pell Grants For College Education & Training", "2017-03-09", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack today continued his effort to give more flexibility to students receiving Pell Grants by introducing the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act. This legislation will allow Pell Grant recipients to take advantage of the grants year-round. In 2007, Loebsack was the author of a provision that created year-round Pell Grants in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, which was signed into law in 2008. However, because of budget cuts, the year-round Pell Grant was eliminated in 2011. This bipartisan bill is cosponsored by Representatives Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Elise Stefanik (NY-21) and Carlos Curbelo (FL-26).\n\n\n\n\u201cAs someone who would not have been able to attend college without the help of student aid, I was proud to author the original year-round Pell legislation that was signed into law in 2008,\u201d said Congressman Dave Loebsack. \u201cAfter visiting schools across Iowa, I have heard from countless students whose ability to afford college would be significantly improved by the availability of year-round Pell grants. I look forward to reducing barriers to higher education institutions by restoring this important program. This bill would help provide Iowa\u2019s students with the necessary training and resources required to be successful in the 21st century global economy.\u201d\n\n\n\nUnder current law, a student who goes to school full-time during the fall and spring semesters would not be eligible to receive Pell Grant awards for summer courses. Many of those who would benefit most from the Flexible Pell Grant for 21st Century Students Act are non-traditional students who want to complete their courses faster so they can get back into the workforce.\n\n\n\nLoebsack, Bustos, Stefanik and Curbelo introduced this bill in response to the continued demand for increased Pell Grant flexibility from local students and community colleges that offer year-round programs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394994", "Loebsack Statement on Committee Passage of Trumpcare", "2017-03-09", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee passed legislation to repeal the ACA. Republicans continued through the night to quickly jam through legislation that was drafted in secret and introduced less than two days before the committee hearing.\n\n\n\n\u201cRepublicans have had more than seven years to come up with a plan of their own to \u2018repeal and replace\u2019 Obamacare. Instead, in less than two days of committee meetings, Republicans pushed through legislation that rips healthcare coverage from up to 10 million Americans. On top of that, Republicans pushed this bill through despite not having a cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office.\n\n\n\n\u201cWhat we do know about Trumpcare is almost as scary for Iowans as what we don\u2019t. The bill that Republicans pushed through the committee gives tax breaks to the wealthiest at the expense of low-income and working families. This bill will lead to a rationing of care for the nations most disadvantaged, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor. This bill drives up costs for older Americans by implementing an \u2018age-tax\u2019. This bill provides a tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires, where the top 400 highest income families would get an annual $7 million tax break. This bill may lower the price Members of Congress pays for health coverage, while seniors pay more.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394992", "Loebsack Statement on House Republicans Plan to Repeal the ACA", "2017-03-07", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Loebsack Statement on House Republicans\u2019 Plan to Repeal the ACA f t # e Washington, March 7, 2017 | (202-225-6576)\n\n\n\n\u201cAfter seven years and multiple failed attempts, House Republicans finally released their plan to \u2018repeal and replace\u2019 Obamacare. Since the debate about how to improve our nation\u2019s healthcare system began, my number one priority has been to ensure all Iowans and Americans have access to quality, affordable care. To put it bluntly, instead of moving us forward, the GOP plan released today takes us backwards. It puts the healthcare of Iowans back in the hands of insurance companies, will lead to the rationing of care and strips 40 thousand Iowans and millions of Americans of the coverage they currently have. There is no doubt that those who will be most negatively affected are those who are in greatest need.\n\n\n\n\u201cOn top of stripping millions of Americans of the insurance they currently have, this proposal shortchanges our nation\u2019s most disadvantaged, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor of the care they need. We cannot allow Iowa families go back to the time when they have to choose between putting food on the table and getting medical care for their children.\n\n\n\n\u201cAs a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, it is disappointing that GOP leaders have been so focused on taking healthcare from Iowans. Congress has voted over 60 times to repeal or undermine the ACA, but so far this year the Energy and Commerce Committee hasn\u2019t held one hearing on creating jobs, expanding rural broadband, increasing rural healthcare access, or any of the issues that really matter to Iowa families. I remain committed to working to fix the ACA so that it works better for all Americans.\u201d\n\nCongressman Dave Loebsack made the following statement today after House Republicans finally released their plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). According to a recent report , hundreds of thousands of people in Iowa would be negatively affected by the repeal of the ACA. This includes 146,300 Iowans who enrolled in Medicaid under the ACA\u2019s expansion, as well as 370,648 Iowans who are in jeopardy of losing important wellness provisions, like cancer screenings.\u201cAfter seven years and multiple failed attempts, House Republicans finally released their plan to \u2018repeal and replace\u2019 Obamacare. Since the debate about how to improve our nation\u2019s healthcare system began, my number one priority has been to ensure all Iowans and Americans have access to quality, affordable care. To put it bluntly, instead of moving us forward, the GOP plan released today takes us backwards. It puts the healthcare of Iowans back in the hands of insurance companies, will lead to the rationing of care and strips 40 thousand Iowans and millions of Americans of the coverage they currently have. There is no doubt that those who will be most negatively affected are those who are in greatest need.\u201cOn top of stripping millions of Americans of the insurance they currently have, this proposal shortchanges our nation\u2019s most disadvantaged, including seniors, children, people with disabilities and the working poor of the care they need. We cannot allow Iowa families go back to the time when they have to choose between putting food on the table and getting medical care for their children.\u201cAs a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, it is disappointing that GOP leaders have been so focused on taking healthcare from Iowans. Congress has voted over 60 times to repeal or undermine the ACA, but so far this year the Energy and Commerce Committee hasn\u2019t held one hearing on creating jobs, expanding rural broadband, increasing rural healthcare access, or any of the issues that really matter to Iowa families. I remain committed to working to fix the ACA so that it works better for all Americans.\u201d f t # e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394989", "Loebsack Calls for the Resignation of Attorney General Sessions", "2017-03-02", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement calling on Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign in light of newly released information that he lied under oath about his meetings with Russian officials.\n\n\n\n\u201cEvery week, there is a new distraction from the administration preventing us from focusing on the important work of debating legislation such as a comprehensive jobs package that would put folks across Iowa and the nation back to work. It is now clear that Attorney General Sessions lied under oath during his confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. In light of the newly released report, the Attorney General must resign.\n\n\n\n\u201cThese new revelations about the Attorney General\u2019s dealing with the Russians reinforce the need for a truly independent, outside, bipartisan investigation into the President and his staff\u2019s dealings with Russians. A simple recusal is no longer enough, Attorney General Sessions must resign so that we can focus on creating jobs and growing our nation\u2019s economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394990", "Loebsack and Smith Introduce Bill to Broaden Fuel Choices for Retailers and Consumers", "2017-03-02", "2017", "2017-03", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) reintroduced legislation today to broaden fuel choices for retailers and consumers by expanding the existing waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations related to the Reid Vapor Pressure of motor vehicle fuel, which E10 received in 1990, to include E15.\n\n\n\n\u201cEthanol is a homegrown renewable energy source that supports millions of jobs in communities across Iowa and throughout the country,\u201d said Congressman Loebsack. \u201cThis legislation will remove an unnecessary barrier and allow E15 gasoline to be sold in the summer months. This legislation helps expand consumer choice at the pump, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil, and stimulate economic development throughout the country.\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cBy restricting retailers\u2019 ability to market the fuel they feel is most competitive, these archaic EPA regulations are impeding the free market and limiting consumers\u2019 options at the pump,\u201d Congressman Smith said. \u201cThere is no reason E15 should not receive the same regulatory relief extended to E10 decades ago. We must foster the development of a robust energy marketplace, including ethanol and other renewable fuels, in order to achieve American energy independence.\u201d\n\n\n\n\u201cThe introduction of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is the first step toward eradicating an unnecessary EPA restriction that limits consumer choice at the pump during the peak time of the year when Americans are on the road,\u201d Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said. \u201cE15 is a federally-approved fuel that saves motorists money, boosts engine performance, and improves the environment. Biofuels like E15 are the most effective alternative to fossil fuels and a critical tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. It is simply ridiculous that a law passed in 1990 to spur ethanol fuel sales would prevent today\u2019s drivers from having this choice of a high-performance, environmentally-friendly 21st century fuel year-round.\n\n\n\n\u201cWe commend the sponsors of this bill for their efforts to provide consumer choice at the pump and look forward to working with them to get this important legislation enacted.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394984", "Loebsack Calls for Immediate Investigation into Russias Ties to the Trump Administration", "2017-02-15", "2017", "2017-02", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today calling for an independent investigation to look into Russia\u2019s ties to the Trump Administration, his campaign and their influence on the election.\n\n\n\n\u201cIt has become clearer with each passing day of the Trump Administration that there must be a full, independent investigation of his administration and campaign\u2019s connection to Russia. Leaders of the Republican Party must put their responsibility to country over party loyalty and immediately launch an investigation. The American people are demanding accountability, above and beyond partisan politics, in order to restore faith in our democracy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394982", "Loebsack Statement on the Resignation of Michael Flynn", "2017-02-14", "2017", "2017-02", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after Gen. Michael Flynn announced his resignation as National Security Advisor.\n\n\n\n\u201cReports of Mr. Flynn's interactions with Russian officials prior to President Trump's swearing in, along with his dishonesty about those conversations, certainly disqualify him from serving as National Security Advisor. It is also appropriate that he heeded the many calls for his resignation. This incident raises further questions regarding the nature of Russia's influence with the Trump administration, and it is imperative that an independent investigation is conducted. With the security of the American people at stake, immediate action must be taken. I call on Republican congressional leaders to hold hearings into Mr. Flynn's actions, as well as into the administration's ties to Russia.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394983", "Trump to White House Employees: Do as I Say, Not as I Do", "2017-02-14", "2017", "2017-02", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Trump to White House Employees: \u201cDo as I Say, Not as I Do\u201d f t # e Washington, February 14, 2017 | (202-225-6576)\n\n\n\n\u201cAs the Office of Government Ethics has made clear, not only are the obvious ethics violations of White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway troubling, but so too are the different set of standards for her boss. If President Trump had said the same thing, there are no laws on the books that would punish him. For too long, American workers have been held to a different set of standards than their bosses, and no one has embodied that glaring inequity more than President Trump. Congress must act to ensure that the President is covered by the same laws that govern White House employees.\u201d\n\nCongressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Director of the Office of Government Ethics said Kellyanne Conway\u2019s comments criticizing Nordstrom and promoting Ivanka Trumps\u2019 clothing line was a \u201cclear violation\u201d of ethics rules . At the same time, if President Trump were to make the same remarks, he would not be subject to the same laws that cover employees.\u201cAs the Office of Government Ethics has made clear, not only are the obvious ethics violations of White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway troubling, but so too are the different set of standards for her boss. If President Trump had said the same thing, there are no laws on the books that would punish him. For too long, American workers have been held to a different set of standards than their bosses, and no one has embodied that glaring inequity more than President Trump. Congress must act to ensure that the President is covered by the same laws that govern White House employees.\u201d f t # e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394979", "Loebsack Reintroduces Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act to Address Veteran Suicide Epidemic", "2017-02-06", "2017", "2017-02", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Steve Stivers (OH-15) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to ensure no veteran seeking in-patient psychiatric care at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center is ever denied such care again. Last year, Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, a veteran from Davenport, Iowa, was turned away from a VA facility after seeking psychiatric help. After being denied care, he tragically took his own life. Sgt. Ketchum\u2019s tragic death reinforces the need for a change at the VA to ensure any veteran who is suffering from a mental health issue gets the treatment they need and deserve. Simply put, under the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it.\u201cI am proud to reintroduce the Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act to ensure no veteran in crisis is ever turned away. This legislation would require VA Medical Centers to provide psychiatric care for any veteran that asks for it,\u201d said Loebsack. \u201cOur veterans have sacrificed too much to ever feel alone when struggling with mental health issues. When these veterans reach out, we as a country owe it to them to answer their call. I am proud to help honor Sgt. Ketchum\u2019s life by working to ensure our veterans get the care they are seeking.\u201d\u201cWe face a devastating mental health crisis in this country, one that has particularly affected our veteran\u2019s community,\u201d Stivers said. \u201cWe owe it to our veterans to ensure they receive the care they need when they return home. I am proud to join Representative Loebsack in re-introducing this legislation because no veteran should ever be turned away when asking for in-patient psychiatric care.\u201d\u201cSgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act\u201d Background  \r\nThe Sgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act would require that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system requests at a VA Medical Center to be admitted for in-patient psychiatric care, the VA must provide that care for the veteran in the psychiatric ward of that Medical Center. If there are not enough beds or providers at that location, the VA must find care for the veteran at a non-VA facility. The bill would not prevent admissions as they currently operate \u2013 for example, if a veteran displays suicidal ideations but does not explicitly request to be admitted to the in-patient psychiatric ward, his or her doctor could still recommend admission \u2013 but rather would supplement existing policy.The \u201cSgt. Brandon Ketchum Never Again Act\u201d has been endorsed by the following organizations  \r\nMilitary Order of the Purple Heart, Stop Soldier Suicide, National Guard Association of the United States, Association of the United States Navy, and the American LegionOriginal cosponsors of the legislation  \r\nCheri Bustos (IL-17), John Lewis (GA-05), Tim Ryan (OH-13), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Randy Weber (TX-14), Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), Jim Himes (CT-04), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Lou Barletta (PA-11), Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Dan Lipinski (IL-03), Beto O\u2019Rourke (TX-16), Michael McCaul (TX-10), Thomas Rooney (FL-17), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Pete Olson (TX-22), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), John Delaney (MD-6), John Garamendi (CA-03), Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (Northern Mariana Islands), Carlos Cubelo (FL-26), Louise Slaughter (NY-25), Walter Jones (NC-03), Jim Cooper (TN-05), Pete Sessions (TX-32), Jeff Denham (CA-10), Bob Gibbs (OH-18), Don Young (AK-At Large), Tony Cardenas (CA-29), David Valadao (CA-21), Peter King (NY-02), Erik Paulsen (MN-03), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (American Samoa Islands), Filemon Vela (TX-34), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Darren Soto (FL-09), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Steve Stivers (OH-15), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Bob Goodlatte (VA-06)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394976", "Loebsack Statement on Trumps Executive Order Banning Refuges", "2017-01-29", "2017", "2017-01", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement regarding President Trump\u2019s executive order that impacts those fleeing persecution, families that have already been granted refugee status, legal permanent residents, and visa holders. Loebsack\u2019s office also stands ready to assist any Iowan who is having troubles because of this executive order. Iowans who are in need of assistance can call toll-free 1-866-914-IOWA (4692) to speak with someone about their situation. \u201cThis executive order signed by President Trump is shameful and flies in the face of America\u2019s values of being a welcoming place to those who are fleeing oppression. His actions fail to anticipate any unintended consequences, which put Americans at risk and gives fodder to our enemies. It also destroys the very bedrock of what our nation has stood for- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This dangerous order must be rescinded. \u201cI am thankful that our independent judiciary system stepped in and halted part of the executive order, but now it is time for them to go further and put a stop to this misguided action. We cannot allow families to be torn apart. If there is anyone who is in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to be in touch with my office.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394975", "Loebsack Statement on Attending the Inauguration and Womens March", "2017-01-17", "2017", "2017-01", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today regarding his attendance at the swearing-in ceremony and the Women\u2019s March on Saturday, January 21st.\u201cThere is no question that our nation, and in fact the President-elect himself, would be best served if he started behaving in a manner more reflective of the leader of the free world. The President-elect\u2019s divisive, disturbing and distasteful remarks should have no place in our society. That being said, I have an enormous amount of respect for our nation\u2019s history of peaceful transition of power and will stand with President Obama, President and Secretary Clinton and others who are attending. The next day, I will be attending the Women\u2019s March in Washington with my daughter where I will join folks across the country to stand firm and fight against policies that will harm hard-working Iowans while working to create jobs, grow the economy, help our veterans and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394972", "Loebsack Statement on Being Sworn in at the Beginning of the 115th Congress", "2017-01-03", "2017", "2017-01", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Dave Loebsack", "L000565", "loebsack.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today on the gaveling in of the new 115th Congress. Loebsack also comments on the House Republicans\u2019 efforts to gut the independent Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) in their first act of the new Congress. \u201cI am once again honored to represent the people of Iowa and to be their voice in Washington. I look forward to continuing to fight on behalf of Iowa\u2019s hard-working families. From creating jobs here at home to boosting the rural economy and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, there is a lot of work that lies ahead of us. \u201cI was dismayed that one of the first actions taken by House Republicans in the middle of the night was to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics. After claiming they wanted to \u2018drain the swamp\u2019 all this move did was prove that the GOP has already forgotten who they work for- the American people. I am pleased they have moved to reinstate much needed accountability by maintaining the independence of the OCE, but this proposal never should have been considered in the first place.\u201cI look forward to working to move our great nation forward while standing firm against moves that will harm hard-working Iowa families or weaken the safety net for those who are most at risk.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 50, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "IA", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 50, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 50, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IA&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "IA", "label": "IA", "count": 50, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IA&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 50, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=IA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 193.23626812547445, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}