Dining Room Tables, Democracy, and Health Care Reform

Unless you have been comatose, no doubt you have heard about Massachusett's Congressman Barney Frank's retorts to a woman at one of his townhall meetings about health care reform. The woman, who was holding a sign that was doctored to depict President Obama as Hitler, asked "Why do you continue to support a Nazi policy as Obama has expressly supported this policy? Why are you supporting it?" He said, "When you ask me that question? I am going to revert to my ethnic heritage and answer your question with a question. On what planet do you spend most of your time?" After being momentarily stopped, the woman continued her line of questioning and the Congressman, in sincerity said, "Ma'am, trying to have a conversation with you would be like trying to argue with a dining room table. I have no interest in doing it."

And it is a shame when two people, whether it is a Congressman or a constituent, resort to belittling. It is more so a shame when there is no real dialogue going on.

The town hall meeting in Iowa City this Saturday was not nearly vitriolic, but there were a number of people who were clearly not there to listen, but to engage in political theater. Two rows in front of me were two men, one sporting an American flag ball cap and the other wearing a union t-shirt, who engaged each other. The fellow in the ball was booing 2nd District Congressman Dave Loebsack's response to a question asked by an audience member and the fellow in the union t-shirt asked him to keep it down. The other fellow glared red-faced at the union fellow and asked him if he was going to make him. Fortunately a Loebsack staffer walked toward them and they settled into an uneasy truce.

For those who were there to listen and learn, it was no doubt troubling to them to watch normally civil people get bent out of shape over health care reform that may or may not happen and certainly will change as the kinks are worked out. How can anyone know what the plan is unless they actually have read it (and at the size of a phone book, that's not an easy read) or if they come to the townhall meeting to get the synopsis and have the chance to have their questions answered? Congressman Loebsack was quite willing to address questions, but also was encouraging of people to preface their questions with their feelings--an invitation that would be taken advantage of throughout the hour plus meeting.

While Congressmen and Senators are trying to do their jobs to help their constituents to understand what the bill actually is, it does not help that some on both sides resort to out and out lies about what the House bill is about. The Senate will have to forward its own bill (which will likely have its own problems for those who are fighting for or against a public option) and the two houses will have to recouncil the two bills before it goes to the President. If anybody should be pounding the pavement to try to hear what concerns their constituents, it is the Senators and they should not be making pronouncements about "Grandma" and her state of being. They should be genuinely having dining room table conversations about what it is that is scaring their constituents about their health care and then take this back to Washington to write legislation around.

Perhaps if the theater could be scaled back and real people's concerns could be addressed, we could end up with health care reform that is healthy.

Kresowik: We Need ACES and Truth from Critics

From University of Iowa Student President and current Sierra Club staffer Mark Kresowik:

Friends, tomorrow a remarkable bill will be voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives. It's called the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), was drafted by Congressmen Waxman and Markey, with some excellent work by our own Congressman Braley, and would be the first time our U.S. Congress made a serious effort to deal with global warming. I wasn't going to write anything until after the vote, but the misrepresentations being spouted by MidAmerican Energy in Iowa, and then the RNCC and electric cooperatives going after Congressman Braley this week, really got to me.

I have put a lot of time into analyzing the bill and the modeling done by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Congressional Budget Office. I have tracked this bill from its draft form through committee and now tomorrow, to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

I can tell you that MidAmerican, Iowa's electric cooperatives, and the GOP are full of crap. And then Congressman Boswell bought their nonsense hook, line, and sinker. So we need to contact our Congressional officials and make sure they know we're not buying what MidAm is trying to sell, and that the ACES bill needs to go forward to the Senate.

Congressman Loebsack's number - (202) 225-6576
Thank Congressman Braley for his hard work - (202) 225-2911
Congressman Boswell's number - : (202) 225-3806

First, MidAmerican and Iowa's other utilities had the very stupid idea to build a very dirty coal plant in Council Bluffs a few years ago. Their bad management decisions shouldn't be taken out on this legislation or ratepayers. They may want to whine about it, but they should bear some of the cost of their bad decisions (sound familiar?).

Second, this bill is not going to cause the rate increases these utilities are claiming. We're already giving these utilities more than 50% of their pollution for free, and even if they had to pay for all the extra pollution beyond those allowances rates would increase less than half what MidAmerican is claiming. And why is that a bad thing? It gives them an incentive to actually reduce pollution, imagine that. With the strong energy efficiency provisions, energy use in the country will be held flat - even as the economy rebounds - through 2020. Which means those of you who take advantage of efficiency opportunities may ultimately be paying less than you would if this bill doesn't pass.

Finally, that doesn't count all of the jobs Iowa stands to get from investing in clean, renewable energy or the payments to farmers to practice better soil conservation and stewardship to reduce pollution. Iowa is a leader in a lot of those areas, and this bill recognizes and rewards that.

ACES would be a huge boon to the state of Iowa, to our economy, and to the environment. MidAmerican's crap shouldn't be left unopposed.

If you do one thing today or Friday, please call Congressmen Loebsack, Braley, and Boswell.

Congressman Loebsack's number - (202) 225-6576
Thank Congressman Braley for his hard work - (202) 225-2911
Congressman Boswell's number - : (202) 225-3806

If you want more information about what MidAm is saying and why it is so blatantly wrong, send me an email. I'm happy to run you through the economics and impacts of the bill. I'm not saying it is perfect, but it should pass on to the Senate. We need it.

Thank you very much,

Mark
kresowik@gmail.com
319-621-7393

P.S. I'm not writing this as a staff member of the Sierra Club. The lies being tossed around Iowa right now hit me personally. I've spent way too much time on these issues to watch MidAmerican and the electric cooperatives misrepresent the impacts of this bill on people who are already struggling to pay their electric bills. Their statements don't serve their ratepayers. This bill does an enormous amount, possibly even too much, to cushion electric utilities and ratepayers. And it will certainly be good for Iowa. Even if you don't agree with the bill, stand up for truth in advertising!

One more thing. According to the EPA's latest modeling results, released this morning, average household electricity expenditures go DOWN through 2015 by 3.5% with ACES compared to business as usual. If you needed any more evidence that MidAmerican is full of crap, there is it is.

HUD Funds Flood Iowa

From Rebuild Iowa Office RIO:

Governor Chet Culver, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-2) yesterday announced that Iowa will receive $516.7 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for disaster recovery. This brings Iowa’s funding from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to nearly $800 million to date. The funding will be administered by the state under an agreement to follow modified rules of the CDBG program, a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs such as home buyouts, public infrastructure projects, and assistance to businesses, economic revitalization and flood mitigation.

“Iowa has come so far in the past year – rebuilding piece by piece and block by block with every dollar of assistance that has come into our state. But there are still significant areas that still show signs of devastation and have a very damaged local economy,” said Senator Harkin. “You need only walk through downtown Cedar Rapids to see empty window fronts and padlocked doors that once represented a thriving economy. Iowa suffered one of the five largest natural disasters on record of any state, and we are far from full recovery. These funds will help in that effort.”

“Nearly one year after the floods of last summer devastated Iowa, we are still rebuilding. These funds will aid Iowa’s long term recovery and rebuilding efforts,” said Congressman Loebsack. “As our families struggle to move forward, it is essential that we distribute these funds to communities based on unmet and long term recovery needs. One of the communities that will benefit significantly from these funds is Linn County, whose citizens are still coping with severe damage to their homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Just days after the flood waters hit Iowa, the Iowa Delegation was fighting for Iowans. As we continue in our recovery efforts, I will continue to make sure that the voices of Eastern Iowa are heard in Washington.”

“We continue to make great progress with our recovery efforts in Iowa thanks to strong partnerships, not only between federal, state and local governments, but with thousands of Iowans who have hope and confidence in the communities they call home. This commitment by President Obama and Secretary Donovan means that, as of today, more than $3 billion in federal and state funds have been committed to rebuilding our great state after the historic floods and storms of 2008,” said Governor Culver. “This $517 million in additional CDBG funds will give Cedar Rapids and communities throughout the state more resources to rebuild from past disasters and help prevent future disasters. In the end, these funds allow us to keep rebuilding Iowa, even better and stronger than before.”

There is $6.1 billion for CDBG from the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act that passed on September 30, 2008. Today’s funding announcement allocates that funding. One third of it had been preliminarily allocated under a provision Senator Harkin wrote that required that a portion of the money would come to the states more quickly, to have the funds allocated within 60 days. But, the entire amount uses the formula that is being announced today.

Harkin, Loebsack and Culver have worked with Secretary Donovan as well as a number of members of the White House staff to have a formula that fairly allocated the funds among the states that suffered from 2008 disasters. A key part of that discussion was the need to properly consider the need to consider economic revitalization which is far more necessary in larger disasters, particularly those involving large cities.

The total federal assistance allocated to Iowa now is over $3 billion, approximately half of which has been administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA.)

LOST In Johnson County: Part 2

In the last several days I have been approached by a number of people who are wondering how I'm voting on the local option sales tax. On Saturday I spoke with Congressman Dave Loebsack who supports the measure in part because it allows federal and local funds to be used for the mitigation of flooding. He said that some folks who are against the tax point to the stimulus money and say it is all that is needed. He pointed out that the stimulus money works as a match to local funds and that folks against the tax are mistaken to think that federal dollars will do it all.

Also on Saturday I had a similar conversation with county supervisor Rod Sullivan who is supporting the tax, but who told me that those who say that the sales tax is shared by "out of towners" are correct, but so too are property taxes as our area has many out of town property owners. I did say to him that renters actually end up paying those taxes, so it isn't exactly an apples to apples argument. But his point is still taken.

Friday I briefly spoke to multi-time candidate for city council, Brandon Ross who is against the sales tax because it is unfair to make poor people pay for Dubuque Road being raised. And it is true that the poor would pay a share of the tax, but on the other hand, two area trailer parks were flooded out last year and the poor were affected adversely too.

A local environmentalist and two-time county supervisor candidate, Tom Carsner, who is not supporting the tax, believes that all sales taxes are regressive and that even though this one has a sunset of four years to it, it still should be voted down. Strange coming from a Environmental Advocate.

As for me, I have been conflicted on which way to vote. Generally, I agree that sales taxes are the most regressive form of taxation, but when a natural disaster occurs, do you hold a general principle up over what is better for the public good?

And what is the public good? Clearly flooding is not in the public good or poor infrastructure. If you are concerned about the environment, the poor, commerce, and/or appropriate use of tax monies, this vote benefits many people. The plans were jointly devised in consultation with some of the best hydrologists in the world. As was explained to me, the problem last summer was backflow. That the water couldn't move fast enough downstream as to keep water from backing up and flooding Cedar Rapids, Coralville and so on.

One key point of backup was at the Park Road Bridge. I listened as city engineer Rick Fosse, whose job prior to working for the city was flood mitigation, explained to a group of us how the raising of the bridge would have allowed water to flow downstream better and could have conceivably reduced the amount of flooding both in Coralville and the Normandy Drive and Foster Road areas.

Another thing that is not in the public interest is to have raw sewage flowing into the Iowa River, which is already one of the most polluted waterways in the Midwest. When the "north" treatment plant was flooded out, the sewage did wash into the river.

Lastly, it is not in our best interest to have of freshwater wells contaminated. While all the wells did not get contaminated, reinforcing those wells will be a very good use of public monies.

At the end of the day, we have limited choices about how to fund these $86 million projects. Right now we have the leverage of FEMA and stimulus package funds being available to us. If the tax is voted down, it will mean that either other capital projects go nowhere and the projects are paid for that way over a much longer period of time or, more likely, in raised water bills and/or property taxes. This way at least there is a time limit and we all share the burden. It isn't an ideal situation, but pragmatically, it is what is best for the most.

Loebsack, Dvorsky, Sullivan, and Champion Make Appearance at Shelter House Fundie

Congressman Dave Loebsack made an appearance at a Shelter House (Johnson County's general shelter) benefit on Saturday night. Also there were State Senator Bob Dvorsky and his effervescent wife, Sue who shared her experiences at President Barack Obama's Inaugural. County Supervisor Rod Sullivan and his wife, Dr. Meliisa Fath were in attendence, as was Iowa City council woman, Connie Champion who is also a part of the capital campaign committee to raise funds for building the 70 bed shelter.

Thanks to the largesse of owners Jim and Maureen Mondonaro who footed the bill for all the incredible food and spirits that were enjoyed by the crowd in their newly renovated Mondo's Sports Cafe on the Coralville strip. The Mondanaros were among the many business owners who were flooded out of their location last June and chose to celebrate their new "home" by having a Grand Opening at which 100% of the funds went to the local shelter. A total of 370 people helped to raise over $18,000 for the capital campaign to build the new shelter facility on Southgate Dr.

Men's Club Continues: No Change in Iowa Delegation

As widely expected, all the Iowa Congressional seats remain in the hands of incumbents as Democrats Bruce Braley, Dave Loebsack, and Leonard Bowell, and Republicans Tom Latham, and Steve King handily won their district races. Also, Democrat Senator Tom Harkin dispensed unheralded Republican challenger Christopher Reed.

Iowa continues to be one of only two states that has never sent a qualified woman candidate of any party to Congress, as Marrianette Miller-Meeks, Wendy Barth, and Becky Greenwald were defeated.

Why I'm Going Green with Barth

I supported and encouraged others to vote for Dave Loebsack in Iowa's 2nd District in 2006. It was my sense then that he would be a better voice for progressive issues and he ran a strong populist campaign. However, in 2008, his record tells me that he is more comfortable to be part of the status quo and not the "change" that is plastered on his campaign signs. He voted for the financial bailout (both the original and the "sweetened" extra-expensive version), has voted for the elongation of the war in Iraq (ALTHOUGH, TO HIS CREDIT WITH A TIMELINE)and is willing to fund to keep it going in Afghanistan. To his credit he has been a constant supporter of 13 separate veteran support bills. Too often he has gone along with the House leadership without carving a niche of independence in voting for the best interests of the district. His views as recorded by Project Vote Smart can be found here.

When Project Vote Smart asked him to "explain in a total of 100 words or less, your top two or three priorities if elected. If they require additional funding for implementation, please explain how you would obtain this funding," his response was
"No Answer."

Maybe it is the pragmatism that comes from wanting to have a career in politics or maybe it is that he is waiting for a Democrat to be president before finding his progressive voice. However, I'm not willing to vote for possibility, I did that in 2006.

Meanwhile, I believe the Green Party's Wendy Barth has the most to offer the 2nd District. She is consistently for peace, has some great ideas to make the US more energy independent, and would not have voted for the bailout without the folks on Main Street's concerns not being addressed. I trust her to be consistent in what she tells voters and what she does as a legislator. I feel comfortable in splitting my ticket and supporting both Wendy and Barack Obama.

Iowa 2nd District Congressional Candidates On the Environment

Wendy Barth, the 2nd District Green Party candidate for Congress took the time to answer five good questions about the environment and a sustainable energy policy. Dave Loebsack, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Brian White...Heeeeelllllooo?

Take a look at what Barth has to say and then ask the others to answer the questions--as bad as the economy is, imagine the economy if we don't do something about global warming and a coherent energy policy that reduces our dependency on the 70% of foreign oil that comes from folks we seem to like to fight with (or at the very least, don't invite to the Rose Garden).

CandidAnswers 2008

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Who Bailed on the Bailout: How They Voted

The House voted down the hodge-podge bailout bill by a vote of 228 to 205, with one fence sitter. To see what your Congressperson did, see the Bailout vote

How Iowa Representatives went:
Boswell, Loebsack - Aye
Braley, King, Latham - No

A Letter from Dave Loebsack

Congressman Loebsack writes:

As our communities battle rising flood waters, I am working with emergency management, local leaders, and the Governor's office to ensure everything possible is being done to protect Iowa families, homes, and businesses. I also want to commend all of the selfless individuals who have been volunteering to help those affected by the floods.

If you and your family need assistance I want to encourage you to contact my office toll-free at 866-914-IOWA. Additionally, you can visit my website at www.loebsack.house.gov to find information and phone numbers on where to find help and shelter should you need it. During this time I want to serve as a resource to the communities affected by the current flood.

I would also like to remind people to stay away from the flooded areas if you are not involved in active sandbagging efforts. Spectators impede work and present a safety hazard.

Thank you,
Rep. David Loebsack
Your Congressman

Dave Loebsack On the Frontline

I went to help some friends whose house is in the flood prone Mosquito Flats and spoke to Congressman Dave Loebsack who was sandbagging along side folks like former City Councilman, Bob Elliott and Iowa City employees and community volunteers. This was my second Rep. Loebsack encounter in as many days as he also attended the world premiere of a documentary film about Iowa City icon, "Wild Bill" Sackter at Hancher Auditorium last night. It's called "A Friend Indeed: The Bill Sackter Story".

Here's the trailer:



If you get the chance, see this film.

Recent Dave Loebsack House Votes

Congressman Loebsack voted for renewable energy, passing the Farm Bill, and appropriating $600 Billion for defense in FY 2009.

Gas Price Relief for Consumers Act - Vote Passed (324-84, 26 Not Voting)

The House passed a measure authorizing the Justice Department to pursue energy antitrust and price-fixing cases against members of the OPEC oil cartel.

Rep. Dave Loebsack voted YES.

Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act - Vote Passed (263-160, 12 Not Voting)

The House passed this bill to extend temporary tax provisions that expired at the end of 2007.

Rep. Dave Loebsack voted YES.

Overriding the Veto of the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act - Vote Passed (316-108, 11 Not Voting)

The House voted to override the President’s veto of the farm bill, but a clerical error required that the House vote on the bill again.

Rep. Dave Loebsack voted YES.

To provide for the continuation of Department of Agriculture programs through FY2012 - Vote Passed (306-110, 19 Not Voting)

The House voted to suspend the rules and again pass the farm bill, after a clerical error invalidated a previous vote, the President’s veto, and a veto override.

Rep. Dave Loebsack voted YES.

Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for FY2009 - Vote Passed (384-23, 27 Not Voting)

The House authorized $600 billion in defense appropriations for fiscal year 2009.

Rep. Dave Loebsack voted YES.

H.Amdt. 1055: An amendment to provide that no provision in any status of forces agreement negotiated between the United States and the Government of Iraq that obligates the United States to the defense of Iraq from internal or external threats shall have any legal..., amending H.R. 5658: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009.

Rep. Dave Loebsack voted YES.

Off the Beaten Trail

Dave Loebsack begins his re-election bid in earnest as he visits the 2nd district counties during the congressional break. Hopefully he will be pushed to explain the Democrat plan to end the war--the "fund and run" strategy is not exactly leading to the conclusion the folks back home expected from the Class of 2006.

As an Obama supporter, you know he's got to like how Johnson and Linn Counties treated his preferred candidate. I know County Supervisor Rod Sullivan and State Senator Joe Bolkcom were ecstatic.

Also, now that Chris Dodd has dropped out of the race, will he continue to fight the telecom immunity portion of the FISA bill that will be back on the docket at the end of the month?

Loebsack to Endorse Obama

From the AP

U.S. Rep. David Loebsack on Monday will announce his endorsement of Barack Obama's bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Loebsack, in his first term representing Iowa's 2nd District, said he would do "everything I can" to aid Obama in the approaching Iowa caucuses.

"We're incredibly fortunate this year to have this field of candidates," Loebsack said in a telephone interview. "There is one candidate who stands out and that's why I'm backing Obama."

Loebsack planned to announce his endorsement after a speaking engagement in Des Moines before returning to Washington, where Congress is still in session.

Loebsack was a professor at Cornell College and a veteran Democratic activist who ousted veteran Republican Rep. Jim Leach in last year's election in a race that was marked by mutual respect and few insults.

"I think we've got to have a leader who can bring all Americans together for a single purpose," said Loebsack.

He conceded that the value of such endorsement is questionable, given that Iowans traditionally make up their own minds in caucus campaigns.

"I'm new to this. I'm not sure what it means, but I'll do everything I can to help," he said.

His decision means all three of Iowa's Democratic congressmen have endorsed a presidential candidate, and all have chosen a different one. Rep. Leonard Boswell has endorsed New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, while Rep. Bruce Braley has backed former Sen. John Edwards.

Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin has said he will remain neutral in the contest, as has Gov. Chet Culver.

Loebsack on Humane Treatment of Animals

From Rep. Dave Loebsack who will celebrate his 55th birthday on December 23rd.

"Animals deserve humane treatment and exploiting or killing our animals whether it be for entertainment or other purposes needs to be addressed. Animal fighting is a coldhearted and malicious activity that is linked to numerous other public safety concerns. It is important that we stop animal fighting and protect these animals through legislation in order to promote public safety as well as encourage animal welfare.

H.R. 137, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007, will update our current animal cruelty laws by recognizing Animal Fighting as a cruel act punishable by felony charges. The bill will also enhance our public safety by extending these punishments to those who attempt to use interstate and foreign commerce to engage in such inhumane and vicious activities. As an illegitimate interstate industry, animal fighting requires the involvement of the government at the federal level to curb such appalling behavior. The "Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act" represents a positive step in this direction which is why I voted in favor of, and strongly supported, this legislation recently. The President signed this legislation into law on May 3, 2007.

H.R. 3327, the Federal Dog Protection Act will further the mission of H.R. 137 by increasing the amount of regulation and activities deemed unlawful in regard to dog fighting. This legislation is currently being considered by the House Judiciary Committee. Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. I encourage you to visit my website at www.loebsack.house.gov and sign up for my e-newsletters to stay informed of the work I'm doing in Congress. I am proud to serve Iowa's 2nd District, and I am committed to working hard for you. "

Pinning Hope to Plans

Early on, before the barrage of media reduced each candidate running for president to a trendline, my wife and I went to early campaign events for all the candidates, save for Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich. Prior to that, when Dave Loebsack was running for Congress, I was inspired by Barack Obama and John Edwards, who both came to Iowa City to offer their support to Dave.

At that time, I liked the message of hope that both candidates carried, that we could cross the divides of America and do well for ourselves by doing well by those who have made do with less. This populist message resonated well with me then and it does even more so today, particularly as all the campaigns settle into caucus headcount mode.

There were three deciding factors that caused my wife and I both to support John Edwards; one completely emotional, two, we think, rational.

The emotional part is attached to John and Elizabeth's decision to continue the campaign after it was learned that her cancer was back and inoperable. I thought about my own life and what I would do if faced with the same choice. My wife Betsy and I agreed that we would likely have gone after a dream that we both shared, just like the Edwards. We find it extraordinary that they have been so open with such a personal issue that, quite frankly, was very risky to admit, given the inevitable dissection in the press and the suspicious nature of the voter.

The second reason we both have found ourselves supporting John Edwards is that he came equipped with plans. Whether it was health care, the environment, energy policy, dealing with poverty, or ending the war in Iraq, he was the first out of the gate with solid plans that anyone could look at and decide as to their value. He has plans for rural America, for education, and labor. If you haven't read his comprehensive Plan to Build One America, please do.

He continues to be the leading light with regard to supporting the veterans with PTSD funding and strengthening the VA. As he said a couple days ago, "Let the world know that the fight for a greater America begins today. For universal health care, ending poverty, honoring our veterans, reclaiming our democracy, and ending the war in Iraq. For opportunity, equality, justice, and the idea of America.

“This is the moral test of our generation. We can meet it. We will meet it.”

Finally, the third reason we support John Edwards is that he is not afraid to change course when he has better information. Our current President has shown us all that staying the course is a perilous thing to do, particularly when the justifications are dishonest. We need a President who will be honest with us and tell us what our part is in making the hard decisions. I find John Edwards to be that kind of person.

I see no reason to denigrate the credentials of any other candidate. All have their strengths and weaknesses, John Edwards is no exception. However, what I encourage you to do is to think beyond what happens in Iowa on January 3rd to what will happen after August 28th when the Democratic standard bearer is chosen and September 4th when their Republican counterpart is chosen. Who will be the best representative of our party?

At this point, I have decided to be a precinct captain (Iowa City 17) for John Edwards--a duty I take very seriously. It is my hope that those of you who are reading this will make an informed decision for yourself, as I did, and I hope you will support John Edwards.

Loebsack Going to Iraq

From Congressman Loebsack

I am currently leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Iraq. Over the coming days I will be meeting with American military leaders and Iraqi government officials, but most importantly I will have the opportunity to speak with and thank our dedicated troops.

As a member of the House Armed Service Committee I regularly receive testimony on the status of our military operations, however it is a true honor and privileged to shake the hands of Iowa's soldiers stationed in Iraq. On behalf of Iowa's Second District I will convey to them our great appreciation and hopefully they will feel that I am bringing to them a small piece of home.

Not a day goes by that I do not consider the state of our presence in Iraq and the safety and security of our troops on the ground. I strongly believe we must chart a new course in Iraq to better ensure our nation's security at home and our interests abroad.

This opportunity to visit Iraq with a bipartisan group of my colleagues will provide me with the insight necessary to continue my efforts to bring our troops home and find a safe and responsible end to our continued presence in Iraq.

Loebsack on Bush's Child Healthcare Veto

Well, he did it. By vetoing this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation, President Bush chose to put the future of health care coverage for millions of children in jeopardy.
Providing health care to our children must be a priority. Iowa's SCHIP, HAWK-I program provides health benefits, including doctor's visits, vaccinations, prescription drugs and other critical services, to over 37,000 lower-income children.

With the health, well-being, and future of our children at stake, President Bush has shown utter disregard for the needs of hardworking, tax-paying, lower-income American families. There is no question that the health care system in America is broken, and the majority of Americans feel strongly that we must fix it as a matter of priority.

No child should go without regular checkups, preventive care, and proper treatment.

I will not sit back and let the President's misguided veto endanger the HAWK-I program or the health of Iowa's children. I will continue to work hard with my colleagues to bring together both Democrats and Republicans to stand up to President Bush and overturn his veto.

Congressman Dave Loebsack

Hot and Saucy

Actually I wad describing the Johnson County Democrats BBQ this Saturday 10/6 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Johnson County Fairgrounds where, for a "suggested donation" of $15 per person or $30 per family, you can rub elbows with CHRIS DODD, BILL RICHARDSON, HILLARY CLINTON, JOHN EDWARDS, DENNIS KUCINICH, and stunt double Forest Whitaker, speaking for BARACK OBAMA. Congressman DAVE LOEBSACK will be tap dancing as he plays host to all.

As always, there will be surprise guests and perhaps an endorsement or two.

Loebsack Recommended Reduction "Doesn't Go Far Enough"

"I have argued we need to disengage immediately in Iraq," said Loebsack, who sits on the committee. "Reductions to 130,000 by next summer doesn't go far enough for me, or for the people of the 2nd District, either."

He said he favored beginning to remove U.S. troops over the course of the next few months and a full withdrawal by next year, if possible. Loebsack expressed disappointment that Petraeus never said how long he thought U.S. forces should remain involved in Iraq. He said Congress will require similar reports twice yearly.

Loebsack said he was concerned that conditions may worsen for Iraqi civilians after a U.S. pull-out but noted that it is important to keep in mind the conditions U.S. troops face now. "For me, the fact is we have American troops in the middle of the civil war," said Loebsack. "If our troops were to be called to duty anywhere in the world, (we would not be ready)," Loebsack said. "The bottom line is, our troops are in the middle of a civil war, and they should not be in that position any longer."