David Loebsack

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Chairman, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Chairman, I wish to offer this amendment to provide the opportunity to lower the price of gas and oil. The purpose of my amendment is very simple: it's to ensure that our constituents are not disadvantaged by blindly holding up actions that potentially lower oil and gas prices. It will allow significant actions to move forward that would lower prices for gasoline, diesel, oil or other motor fuels. We know that some regulations can be problematic when they aren't crafted carefully, with broad input and consideration for effects on the ground. We all know that and we all agree with that. In fact, I've supported legislation in the past to give small businesses a bigger role in crafting regulations that affect them, and I am a member of the bipartisan Congressional Regulatory Review Caucus. But we also know that there are some regulations that can protect public health, make our economy function more smoothly, and provide opportunity for all Americans to succeed. And as we struggle to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, there are families across the country making hard decisions about whether to put food on the table, clothes on their back, or gas in the car. Middle class folks we all know have been hurt disproportionately by higher gas prices, and that's why this amendment, I believe, is so important. I think it would be irresponsible to pass legislation that would actually have the opposite effect, potentially, of its intention in a number of areas, gas prices being one of them. Rural Americans, like those in my home State of Iowa, are more likely to have older vehicles, especially trucks, and farmers and others in rural areas need trucks. That is their mode of transportation. Rural residents also--I think it's unknown to a lot of folks who live in urban areas--on average, drive 3,000 miles per year more than their urban counterparts, a disparity particularly evident when considering commutes to work. My amendment will ensure that actions taken that would lower gas, oil, or other motor fuels, the prices of these commodities, can move forward and save money for all Americans and for Iowa families. If there is an action that could lower gas prices, I would think that we can all agree that it should move forward to benefit families and businesses and farmers who are struggling just to make ends meet. If this legislation under consideration were already in effect, no significant actions could have been taken this year to lower oil and gas prices during a time of record costs, and we all had conversations about that on this floor earlier this year. I've pushed for initiatives to utilize more American-produced energy, but as our Nation continues to be dependent on foreign sources, American families' costs at the pump continues to be subject to the fluctuations of speculators and manipulation. And we've already heard from some Members previously about that issue. I think we need to be focusing our attention on becoming more energy independent through a variety of energy sources. We need an all-of-the- above approach to domestic energy production. There's no doubt about that. And ensuring that actions to move forward that would lower oil or gas prices in the U.S. is part of an all-of-the-above approach where we need to be looking at all options. I truly hope that my colleagues will support what is truly a commonsense amendment, I believe, and I urge my colleagues to ensure that our hands are not tied by this legislation and to take actions to lower gas prices. I think we can improve this bill, and I think this amendment will do that. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Chair, how much time is remaining on my side?

Mr. LOEBSACK. I don't know where to begin. I don't have enough time to respond to everything that was said by my colleague on the other side of the aisle. What I will say at the outset is that this has nothing to do with the Carter administration, that it has nothing to do with any previous regulations, that it has nothing to do with cost control. This is a very simple amendment. I think, if one reads the amendment, one will find that there is absolutely nothing in the amendment that is feared by the gentleman from the other side of the aisle. It's that simple. In fact, it's this kind of debate, if we want to call it that, that is something that is very upsetting to the American people at this time and is something I hear in Iowa all the time. We've got to have a rational debate that is based on fact. There is nothing in this amendment whatsoever that the gentleman referred to. The amendment, itself, because it is so simple and because it is open-ended, would allow for many of the very same things that the gentleman on the other side of the aisle suggests that we ought to do and that I may very well be open to doing myself. I think that's what's important about this amendment. It's simple. It's open. In fact, it allows for the very kinds of things that he mentioned to go forward. If this amendment is adopted, I think it would vastly improve the underlying bill along the lines that the gentleman, himself, argued. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the long, successful, and highly dedicated career of Dr. Derek H. Willard, the Special Assistant to the President for Governmental Relations and the Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Derek has served the University of Iowa, the Iowa City community, and the State of Iowa for almost three decades with admirable leadership, devotion, and loyalty. I have worked closely with him since I came to Congress six years ago, and it has truly been a privilege to witness and work with someone so focused on advocating on behalf of Iowans. Prior to coming to the University of Iowa, Derek earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1964, a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and served as a faculty member at the United States Air Force Academy. His own research brought him to the Hawkeye State, where he earned his doctorate degree in 1975 and began his long career at the University of Iowa. Since 1999, Derek has been the primary contact for federal relations and the Iowa Board of Regents at the University of Iowa, which is not only a top tier public university of over 45,000 students, faculty and staff but also a premier national research institution. He has overseen external funding for the University, and, under his leadership, funding secured by the University from organizations such as the National Institute of Health has increased from about $70 million annually to more than $386 million in 2008. Prior to his appointment as federal liaison, Derek served 17 years as Associate Vice President for Research, a position he still holds today and which demonstrates his impressive dedication to the University of Iowa's research mission. He also currently serves as a faculty member in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, and previously served as Director of Behavioral Sciences. Among many career highlights, Derek played a pivotal role in securing funding and space on the University of Iowa campus for the National Advanced Driving Simulator. He also served as project director on a $2 million Higher Education Disaster Relief Grant, which provided much needed federal assistance in the wake of the Floods of 2008 that devastated the University of Iowa campus. Derek was recently recognized by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities with a Lifetime Achievement Award for governmental relations. The many successes he has achieved both for the University of Iowa and on a personal level demonstrate Derek's incredible dedication, professionalism, and commitment. On a personal level, I am grateful for Derek's helpfulness to my office in numerous generous ways. His encyclopedic knowledge of University activities and his intelligent, openhanded advice has greatly helped me advocate on behalf of the University of Iowa, its students, and its faculty and staff. My staff and I will always cherish his graciousness, his wisdom, and his thoughtfulness. On behalf of all Iowans, I would like to thank Derek for his years of service to the University of Iowa, the State of Iowa, and our nation. I know I join his colleagues, friends, and loved ones in wishing him well in his retirement.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Our depots, arsenals, and their workforce are critical to our national security and ability to rapidly equip our soldiers. For example, in 2003, the Rock Island Arsenal produced 500 Humvee add-on armor kits to protect our troops within 3 months of receiving the order. We must strengthen our arsenals and depots so that they are able to continue to produce the equipment that is vitally needed by our men and women in uniform. I am strongly concerned that the effects of the bill's reductions will be felt beyond 2013 and across the organic industrial base, and I appreciate the chairman's willingness to work with us. I look forward to closely collaborating with him in support of our arsenals and depots, and I appreciate this time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with Chairman Young.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, as you well know, 40-millimeter cartridges provide sustained coverage for our ground troops and have played a significant role in providing protection for our troops in Afghanistan. They are produced in a joint effort between the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, which I represent, and facilities in Florida, Wisconsin, and several other States. In Iowa, 75 employees work on a state-of-the-art production line to load, assemble, and pack the 40-millimeter ammunition. This state-of- the-art equipment allows this work to be done safely, at a high-quality rate, and in a cost-effective way for the taxpayers and the Army. The Army's budget request included 40-millimeter funding levels that are considered the minimum level necessary to sustain our capability and the highly skilled workforce needed to produce them. A reduction in funding could result in a break in work that would result in lost capabilities, lost jobs, and delays and quality concerns when the line is restarted. Mr. Chairman, I know we share a commitment to maintaining the workforce, capabilities, and lines that produce the 40-millimeter ammunition, and I very much appreciate your and Ranking Member Dicks' work with me over the last several weeks. I look forward to continuing to work with you to address this matter going forward so that we can ensure the final 2013 defense bill supports the 40-millimeter ammunition workforce and supply chain. I thank you for the cooperation.

Mr. LOEBSACK. I yield to the gentleman from Florida.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. Bilbray

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the United Way. In 1887 in Denver, Colorado, a local woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi came together to work to solve the poverty facing their community. The first United Way formed a network of organizations to support local charities as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants to those most in need. The group of networks rose from humble beginnings and became the United Way, a united movement committed to improving communities around the world. What they began 125 years ago now comprises nearly 1,800 community- based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. Today the United Way is the world's largest privately-sponsored nonprofit. Today, United Way continues the spirit of service to move toward a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. Every year the United Way raises nearly $5 billion dollars for the simple purpose to advance the common good. Working collaboratively, the United Way brings together the actions of millions of individuals to resolve pressing community issues. As a worldwide organization, it is remarkable how effective the United Way is at targeting local initiatives and bringing tangible services to our communities. We must also attribute 125 years of United Way's success to the imaginative, passionate group of leaders, community volunteers, and partners on the local and state level. Today, United Ways in Iowa's 2nd District are working diligently to ensure the scope and depth of United Way's vision is applied to the specific needs of individuals and local charities in our community. United Way of East Central Iowa, United Way of Johnson County, Inc., United Way of Wapello County, and Burlington/ W. Burlington Area United Way continue to give, advocate, and volunteer to help people in need. On United Way's 125th Anniversary, we commend our local United Ways' commitment and contributions that effectively make a difference every day in our community.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, my home State is still recovering from billions of dollars in damage after the floods of 2008, which were the worst disaster in our State's history and one of the worst disasters in our Nation's history. Unfortunately, today we have communities that have been awarded funds through the FEMA Public Assistance program that are afraid that over a year after the funds were awarded to replace buildings, and local funds have been spent, FEMA may be required to take back that funding at no fault of the community. That's what those folks are afraid of. We shouldn't leave our local communities holding the bag on a failed project, destroyed and decaying buildings, and a loss of local taxpayer funds. I don't believe that FEMA should come into one of our communities and take back disaster recovery funding over a year after it's already been awarded and after our communities have already spent a large amount of their taxpayers' money with the understanding that the project was moving forward. Communities recovering from disasters right now, as I know the chairman's has, are also struggling in the worst recession since the Great Depression. The last thing they need is to have even more uncertainty thrown at them by losing disaster recovery assistance. Disaster recovery must be a collaboration. Our local communities should not have the rug pulled out from under them, after years of struggling to recover, because the Federal Government committed support for rebuilding a community and then later took back that support. We need to maintain a partnership with States and communities, which means confidence that the Federal Government's promise of recovery funding means something. Mr. Chairman, I just hope that we can work together with FEMA to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected, that we can work together at all levels to rebuild communities and economies destroyed by disasters all over this great Nation, and that a local community's recovery can continue to move forward while we address any issues outside the community's ongoing recovery process.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to welcome Iowa veterans of the Greatest Generation to our Nation's Capital today. These veterans, accompanied by volunteer guardians, traveled to Washington, DC to visit the National World War II Memorial that was built in their honor. I proudly have in my office a piece of marble from the quarry that supplied the stone from which the World War II Memorial was built. That piece of marble, just like the memorial it built, reminds me of the sacrifices of a generation that, when our country was threatened, rose to defend not just our Nation but the freedoms, democracy, and values that are the basis of our great Nation. They did so as one people and one country. The sheer magnitude of what they accomplished, not just in war but in the peace that followed has stood as an inspiration to every generation of Americans since. The Greatest Generation did not seek to be tested both abroad by a war that fundamentally challenged our way of life and at home by the Great Depression and the rebuilding of our economy that followed. But, when called upon to do so, they defended and then rebuilt our Nation. Their patriotism, service, and great sacrifice not only defined their generation--they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our Nation. I am tremendously proud to welcome eastern Iowa's veterans of the Second World War to our Nation's capital today. On behalf of every Iowan I represent, I thank them for their service to our country.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the AbilityOne Program. Over the last few years, AbilityOne has helped more than 50,000 Americans who are blind or have other significant disabilities gain the skills necessary for gainful employment. The AbilityOne Program, through Federal purchasing, supports community-based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing people with disabilities. Opportunities through the AbilityOne program have brought individuals into working society and afforded them the ability to receive competitive wages and benefits. The job skills and training these individuals receive go a long way to foster greater independence and quality of life. Those who benefit from the program have historically suffered from significant unemployment, but AbilityOne is turning this trend around. I would also like to acknowledge Goodwill Industries of the Heartland of Iowa City, an AbilityOne Program affiliate. As one of 207 regional Goodwill organizations, Goodwill Industries of the Heartland serves Iowa communities by empowering people with significant disabilities to seek education and employment. With the support of the AbilityOne Program, Goodwill Industries of the Heartland's training and job placement programs help clients and their families live more independently while making positive contributions to their communities. I want to commend the dedication and commitment of the staff of both AbilityOne and Goodwill Industries of the Heartland of Iowa City. Their work helps people with disabilities live full lives as active members of society.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chair, I strongly oppose amendment number 54 offered by Congressman Coffman. By reducing oversight and limiting the Department of Defense's ability to address contracts that are over cost; high risk; or poorly performed, it reduces DOD's ability to meet management, readiness, and critical risk mitigation needs. What's more, it undermines a bipartisan initiative enacted just last year that ensures the Department of Defense is able to utilize the entire defense workforce to protect taxpayers; our readiness to respond to a national security emergency; and our nation's ability to rapidly equip our troops with the equipment they need, when they need it. When our Humvees needed to be uparmored to protect our troops, Rock Island Arsenal produced and delivered the initial Add-on-Armor kits within a month of receiving the order. This lifesaving armor had to get into the field as quickly as possible to save our troops lives, and only an arsenal had the capability to do it. They did it again to protect our troops by armoring Stryker vehicles. The men and women at Rock Island Arsenal worked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to produce the Common Ballistic Shield kits that our troops needed. Yet this amendment would actually make it more difficult to maintain critical capabilities and ensure the civilian workforce at Rock Island Arsenal and across the country are able to respond when our troops and our country need them. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, is it not the case that if my final amendment is adopted, the underlying bill is amended and we immediately vote on final passage of the bill, as amended?

Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while I oppose the underlying bill, I am offering this amendment to prohibit former Members of Congress who cash in to become million-dollar lobbyists from collecting their pensions. My amendment also stops Members of Congress from getting a better deal than everyone else by asking them to contribute the same amount to their pensions as other Federal employees. We all know that Americans' faith in their government has been severely damaged. If Congress does not take action to stop the revolving door between Capitol Hill and Washington lobby firms, there is little chance that that faith can be restored. It is time we take action and put a stop to these practices. Members of Congress who choose to take this route, especially those making exorbitant salaries as millionaire lobbyists, should forego their pensions. It's that simple. It is patently ridiculous that these Members are finding a way to have their cake and eat it, too. It is just another example of special Washington privileges for out-of-touch elites, privileges that I have promised not to take and that should be ended. I have vowed never to use my public service for personal gain to become a lobbyist. I first ran for office because, having grown up in poverty, I know that Iowa families need a strong voice and an advocate who will ensure that their voices are heard over the voices of the special interests who dominate Washington. I came here for one reason: to serve the people of Iowa. I go back to Iowa every weekend and visit with my constituents so that I know what's on their minds and what they want to happen here in Washington. Sadly, some people come to Washington to cash in, and I think we can all agree that this is unacceptable. I believe that former Members of Congress who become millionaire lobbyists should never be able to collect their pensions. It's that simple. My final amendment would make sure that millionaire lobbyists aren't using their status as former Members to line their pockets at the expense of middle class Americans. In these tough economic times, we have had to make difficult choices in order to improve our Nation's fiscal status. While I might not like all the cuts that have been made or are being proposed, I know that we need to be on better footing if our economy is to recover. The unemployment rate remains far too high, and we need to get the economy moving again and get people back to work. Americans need jobs. That is my number one priority here in Congress, and it is something I think about each and every day. With all of the sacrifices that Iowa families are making as a result of the economic downturn and as a result of all of the cuts that are affecting their communities, Members of Congress also need to find ways to tighten their belts. Maintaining special benefits for Members of Congress at a time like this is both intolerable and inexplicable. That is why my final amendment would also increase the contributions that Members of Congress make to their pensions by the same amount that the underlying bill increases them for Federal employees. This is the final amendment to the bill. It will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill, as amended, would be immediately voted upon. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in putting the interests of the American people before those of the lobbyists and special interest groups by supporting my amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. LOEBSACK. I am opposed in its current form.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, eighty-six Iowa veterans of the Greatest Generation have travelled to our Nation's capital. Accompanied by twenty-seven volunteer guardians who have also served our country in uniform, they have travelled to Washington, DC to visit the monument that was built in their honor. For many if not all of the Iowans who will be here today, this will be the first time they have seen the National World War II Memorial. I can think of no greater honor than to be there when they see their memorial for the first time and to personally thank each of them for their service to our Nation. They truly are Iowa's, and our Nation's, heroes. I proudly have in my office a piece of marble from the quarry that supplied the stone that built the World War II Memorial. That piece of marble, just like the memorial that it built, reminds me of the sacrifices of a generation that, when our country was threatened, rose to defend not just our Nation but the freedoms, democracy, and values that are the foundation of our great country. They did so as one people and one Nation. Their bravery and resilience still inspire us today. The sheer magnitude of what they accomplished, not just in war but in the peace that followed has stood as an inspiration to every generation since. The Greatest Generation did not seek to be tested both abroad by a war that fundamentally challenged our way of life and at home by the Great Depression and the rebuilding of our economy that followed. But, when called upon to do so, they defended and then rebuilt our Nation. Their patriotism, service, and great sacrifice not only defined their generation--they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our Nation. I am tremendously proud to welcome Eastern Iowa's veterans to our Nation's capital today. On behalf of every Iowan I represent, I thank them for their service to our country.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today I have the great honor of welcoming veterans of the Greatest Generation to our nation's capital. Accompanied by volunteer guardians, these veterans from the Quad Cities have travelled to Washington, DC from Iowa and Illinois to visit the monument that was built in their honor. For many of these veterans, today will be the first time they have seen the National World War II Memorial. I am deeply honored to have been invited to join them when they see their memorial for the first time and to have the opportunity to personally thank these heroes. I am proud to have a piece of marble from the quarry that supplied the stone that built the World War II Memorial in my office. Like the memorial that it built, that piece of marble reminds me of the sacrifices of a generation of Americans. When our country was threatened, they rose to defend not just our nation but the freedoms, democracy, and values that make our country the greatest nation on earth. They did so as one people and one country. Their sacrifices and determination in the face of great threats to our way of life are still humbling and inspiring today. The sheer magnitude of what the Greatest Generation accomplished, not just in war but in the peace that followed, continues to inspire us today. They did not seek to be tested both abroad by a war that fundamentally challenged our way of life and at home by the Great Depression and the rebuilding of our economy that followed. But, when called upon to do so, they defended and then rebuilt our country. Their patriotism, service, and great sacrifice not only defined their generation--they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our nation. I am tremendously proud to welcome the veterans on the Quad City Honor Flight to our nation's capital today. On behalf of every Iowan I represent, I thank them for their service to our country.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.