David Loebsack

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, over ninety Iowa veterans of World War II and the Korean War have traveled to our nation's capital. Together, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor by a grateful nation. At a time of great division in our capital, our veterans of the World War II and Korean War generations remind us of not only the best of our great nation but also the unity with which our nation responded to great challenges. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude. For many, today will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. I can think of no greater honor than to personally thank these heroes on behalf of every Iowan I represent for their service to our nation and to pay tribute to the incredible sacrifice they made for our country. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude and the Honor Flight demonstrates that we as a state and as a country will never forget the debt we owe those who have worn our nation's uniform. As a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, I am proud to have a piece of marble in my office from the quarry that was used to build the World War II Memorial. Our World War II and Korean War veterans 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 both humbling and inspiring. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War and the Korean 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, today, over eighty-five Iowa World War II and Korean War veterans will travel to our nation's capital. Accompanied by volunteer guardians, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor. For many, today will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. On behalf of every Iowan I represent, I thank these heroes for their service to our nation and pay tribute to the incredible sacrifice that they made for our country. This trip was made possible by the dedicated workforce at Quaker Oats' Cedar Rapids facility who raised all of the funds necessary to send these heroes to the nation's capital. The generosity of the Quaker Oats' workforce and those who donated to this effort demonstrates Iowans' commitment to honoring those who have served our nation in uniform. Iowans know that we owe our veterans a debt of gratitude. As a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, I am proud to have a piece of marble in my office from the quarry that was used to build the World War II Memorial. Our World War II and Korean War veterans 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 both humbling and inspiring. The sheer magnitude of what the Greatest Generation accomplished, not just in war but in the peace that followed, continues to inspire us today. Their generation and our country 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, the Greatest Generation defended and then rebuilt our nation to make it even stronger. Their patriotism, service, and sacrifice not only defined their generation-- they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our nation and the American people. Their legacy endures today. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War and the Korean 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, today I rise to recognize the 48th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid. I grew up in poverty, and my grandmother often relied on Social Security survivor benefits to put food on the table. I know firsthand how important initiatives like Medicare and Medicaid are to seniors and families in America. No senior should have to make the choice between putting food on the table and paying for their medication. Our country's retirees have paid into Medicare their entire lives. That is why it is so critical that those who have worked hard get their earned benefits. Medicaid is critical to low-income families and individuals with disabilities that depend on the program for their basic health care needs, many of whom are struggling just to get by. I look forward to continuing to work to strengthen and protect Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that the promise of health and economic security will be there for generations to come.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the important role that community pharmacies play in Iowa's Second Congressional District and throughout the country. They are the front-line health care providers and counselors for many patients who consistently depend on their training and expertise to stay informed, healthy, and out of the hospital. They also play an incredibly important role in strengthening the economies of the areas they serve, particularly in rural counties like many of those I represent. Like most small business owners, community pharmacists face many challenges and compete and negotiate on a day-to-day basis with large entities in their business transactions. However, small pharmacy owners face an even larger disadvantage than most because of their clear lack of leverage they have when negotiating the amount they will be reimbursed for filling prescriptions when dealing with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). PBMs serve as the middleman between the health plans and pharmacies, but they also own large mail-order pharmacies themselves. As a result, they are in direct competition with the small pharmacies with whom they also are called upon to negotiate contracts. Also as a note, the largest PBM in the country had nearly $94 billion in revenue in 2012. PBMs also are charged with auditing pharmacies to detect fraud and abuse. This is an important role to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries are not taken advantage of, but problems arise when audits are conducted over clerical, administrative errors rather than targeted toward bad actors who willfully game the system. I have heard from several upstanding small business owners in my district who have been subject to these unnecessary audits and I think the process needs to be reformed so that these audits are as fair and transparent as possible. As the federal government is business partners with PBMs in Medicare Part D, FEHBP, TRICARE and Medicaid Managed Care, I believe it is our duty to take a close look at these practices to ensure our small pharmacies have a fair working relationship with these large PBMs and that the needs of seniors and all those that depend on community pharmacists are met. I look forward to continuing to work with the community pharmacies throughout Iowa's Second Congressional District to ensure they can continue to provide individual, high quality services to Iowans.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I want to thank my friend from Oklahoma for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I am a proud cosponsor of this truly bipartisan amendment, as demonstrated by those who are speaking in favor of it tonight. I, too, voted against sequestration, and I oppose furloughing any DOD citizens who work on behalf of our national security and our troops. Those working at the Rock Island Arsenal, which I represent, proudly serve our country. They don't deserve a pay cut because of Washington's dysfunction. It's as simple as that. That's why Congress and the administration must find a balanced, commonsense way to replace sequestration. This amendment addresses the unique situation of Working Capital Fund civilians like those at the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, who are already funded from prior years. I think that's important to keep in mind. Furloughing these men and women doesn't create direct savings, as has already been mentioned; rather, it delays work for our troops, hurts our readiness, and increases costs for taxpayers without direct savings. Again, I oppose all furloughs, and I do oppose sequestration. This amendment, I believe, is a commonsense policy for DOD and for Working Capital Fund employees, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Again, it's a fully bipartisan amendment.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the benefits of cancer research and the importance of funding for the National Institutes of Health. In my home State of Iowa alone, 17,480 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year and 6,420 will lose their battles with this disease. Like every State, Iowa receives essential funding from the NIH. NIH funds lifesaving medical research that is leading to the development of new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer and other diseases. The research takes place at thousands of universities, hospitals, cancer centers, and laboratories across the country, including at the University of Iowa's Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. In addition to the obvious benefits of combating cancer and so many other diseases, NIH funding supports economic activity and jobs, something we often don't think about. In 2012, NIH funding supported 3,934 jobs in Iowa alone. Funding for cancer research and the NIH, I believe, must be a top priority. I urge Congress to support this lifesaving research.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and pay tribute to Colonel James Fly, the outgoing Commander of Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. As the 46th commander of RIA-JMTC, Colonel Fly has served with honor and distinction and he deserves our thanks and recognition. Since taking command in September 2010, Colonel Fly has led RIA-JMTC and its dedicated workforce in building upon the capabilities as the Department of Defense's only multi-purpose and vertically integrated metal manufacturer while manufacturing high-quality equipment for our troops. In addition, Colonel Fly took forward thinking actions to ensure that the equipment manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal is not only of the highest quality, but also the best deal for the Department of Defense and the taxpayer. During his tenure, Colonel Fly saw RIA-JMTC designated as a Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence in Add-on-Armor development and Foundry Operations. These designations made Rock Island Arsenal the first arsenal to be designated with three CITES, recognition of the depth of its capabilities, forward-thinking management, and highly- skilled workforce. In 2011, enemies on the battlefield found and began to exploit vulnerabilities in the armor on Caiman MRAPs, endangering our soldiers and requiring immediate action. Under Colonel Fly's leadership, the dedicated Rock Island Arsenal workforce redesigned the armor kit, produced 504 kits, and installed 22 of those kits in theater within 30 days. When our soldiers needed them, RIA-JMTC was there. On a personal note, I have greatly enjoyed working with Colonel Fly and would like to personally thank him for his leadership at Rock Island Arsenal. Throughout his time as Commander, Colonel Fly has demonstrated a unique passion for his job. He truly cares about the details of every process in the factory, taking the time to walk the floor and speak personally with the workforce to hear their perspective. Colonel Fly, his wife, Ella, and their two sons are valued members of the Quad Cities community, participating in many community events and ensuring a close bond between RIA-JMTC and the Quad Cities. Colonel Fly has actively engaged the youth in the community, visiting local schools on Veteran's Day to discuss the importance of honoring those who serve. Mrs. Fly has served as the chair of the Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club Scholarship and Grant Committee, organizing multiple events to help military children attend college. They are integral members of the community, appreciated by the entire Quad Cities for their engagement. On behalf of all of my constituents, I thank Colonel Fly for his dedicated service as Commander of Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center and wish him and his family the very best.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I do appreciate the gentleman for yielding to me. I rise to actually speak about an issue that I think we should be addressing today and at this very moment. With student loan interest rates set to rise in only 5 short days, the time to act is now. It is unacceptable that we have not yet brought up a bill for a vote that can be passed by both Chambers and signed into law. With tuition rising rapidly and with far too many families and students struggling to make ends meet, middle class families are finding it more and more difficult to pay for college. When I'm home each weekend in Iowa, I hear from countless students and parents who cannot understand why we can't seem to get this done. This should not be a partisan issue. We need to address student loan debt in the interest of our economy. We must prepare our students for the kind of good-paying middle class jobs that will drive our economy forward, and we must do so in a way that does not saddle them with a lifetime of debt, which prevents them from fully participating in the economy. I could not have gone to college and would not be where I am today without low-interest student loans and other financial assistance programs that were available to me. It's critical that we get this done now. I am willing to stay here and work until we get this done. We cannot allow the House to recess and leave our students in the dust to face this rate hike.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I do thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. I would first like to voice my support for the gentleman's particular amendment, actually, that he has before us--and will later on today-- that restores the unfair SNAP cuts. I thank the gentleman for his amendment, for his courage and for his very, very good idea of restoring those cuts when it comes to the underlying bill. Later today, I will offer an amendment to ensure farmers and rural small businesses have continued access to a critical tool to pursue investments in energy technologies and to meet their energy needs in an affordable and sustainable way. Currently, the Rural Energy for America Program supports farmers and rural small businesses in pursuing sustainable and value-added energy project investments, including wind power, biofuels, solar, or anaerobic digestion. These projects put people to work, they create entrepreneurial opportunities, and they have created new value-added opportunities for our farmers, for rural small businesses, and for our communities. I have heard from Iowans about the importance of this energy and economic development tool, and my amendment ensures farmers and rural businesses have continued access to it. I am strongly opposed to the changes made in the underlying bill, which weaken essential energy initiatives that create jobs and boost our economy. Because of these initiatives, thousands of jobs have been created in rural communities in recent years. In Iowa alone, over 1,600 rural energy projects were initiated between 2003 and 2012, mainly stemming from farm bill energy programs. My amendment stresses the importance of farm bill energy programs to job creation and our rural economies, and allows one of our best resources--our farmers--to play a critical role in our domestic energy production, and I urge support for it. As I said at the outset, I also urge support for the amendment of my colleague from Massachusetts to restore the SNAP cuts.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this amendment. The current moratorium on the use of A-76 competitions was put in place under President Bush after the Department of Defense Inspector General and the non-partisan GAO found significant flaws with the A-76 process, including that the costs of A-76 competitions often exceeded the estimated savings. Those flaws have not been fixed. Put simply--lifting the moratorium on A-76 would not save taxpayer dollars, would not be in the best interest of our military readiness, and is not supported by the Department of Defense. In fact, the Department of Defense opposes lifting this moratorium until the significant problems with these competitions are addressed. Moreover, as co-chair of the Depot Caucus, I appreciate that this amendment would exempt public-private partnerships but I'm deeply concerned that lifting the A-76 moratorium and putting back into place a severely flawed system would do significant damage to our organic industrial base, including our arsenals and depots, at a time when it is critical that we maintain these facilities' capabilities to equip our troops. I proudly represent Rock Island Arsenal, where thousands of highly skilled people work every day to equip our troops. Our organic industrial base has time and again shown their critical importance to our men and women in uniform. When our troops on the ground needed improved armor on their vehicles, it was Rock Island Arsenal that was able to rapidly produce and field that life-saving armor to protect our troops. As a military parent, I am thankful that the workforce at Rock Island Arsenal and in organic industrial base facilities across our country is there to equip our men and women in uniform. In addition, I strongly support public-private partnerships between our organic industrial base and the private sector because they leverage the skills and capabilities from both sectors to equip our troops and improve our national security readiness while benefiting the taxpayer and supporting the highly skilled workforce at our arsenals and depots. Conversely, A-76 competitions do not produce best value for the Department of Defense and our service men and women. The deeply flawed A-76 process should not be reinstated and I strongly oppose lifting the moratorium. For these reasons, I oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to join me in voting against it.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today, over ninety Iowa veterans of World War II and the Korean War will travel to our Nation's Capital. Together, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor by a grateful Nation. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude. For many, today will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. I can think of no greater honor than to be able to greet them and thank Iowa's--and our Nation's--heroes for their service to our country. That is why I am deeply honored to join them for their visit to the National World War II Memorial to personally thank these heroes for their service to our Nation and to pay tribute to the incredible sacrifice they made for our country. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude and the Honor Flight demonstrates that we as a State and as a country will never forget the debt we owe those who have worn our Nation's uniform. As a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, I am proud to have a piece of marble in my office from the quarry that was used to build the World War II Memorial. Our World War II and Korean War veterans 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 both humbling and inspiring. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities and Iowa's veterans of World War II and the Korean 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, today, over 160 Iowa veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Vietnam era will travel to our nation's capital to visit the monuments that were built in their honor by a grateful nation. For many of these veterans, today will be the first time they will visit the capital and the first time that they will see their monuments. On Sunday, they were given a warm send-off by their neighbors and friends from Newton and throughout Jasper County. They were escorted from the Newton Speedway to the send-off at Newton High School by one hundred motorcycle escorts. When the Freedom Flight arrives in Washington today, I can think of no greater honor than to be able to greet them and to personally thank Iowa's--and our nation's--heroes for their service to our country. The Freedom Flight brings together three generations of veterans who will travel together and support one another throughout their trip. It also brings together veterans who were never given the homecoming they deserved. This trip, made possible by generous donations from Iowans, many of whom the veterans will never meet in person, demonstrates that we as a state and as a country will never forget the debt we owe those who have worn our nation's uniform. The veterans will be able to visit their monuments today because their fellow Iowans refused to let their service go unrecognized. That generosity is truly humbling and should inspire us all to continue to work each and every day on behalf of those who serve our nation. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Jasper County Freedom Flight and Iowa's veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Vietnam era 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, ninety Iowa World War II and Korean War veterans will travel to our nation's capital. Accompanied by volunteer guardians, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor. For many, today will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. I am deeply honored to join them for their visit to the National World War II Memorial to personally thank these heroes for their service to our nation and to pay tribute to the incredible sacrifice that they made for our country. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude. As a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, I am proud to have a piece of marble in my office from the quarry that was used to build the World War II Memorial. Our World War II and Korean War veterans 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 both humbling and inspiring. The sheer magnitude of what the Greatest Generation accomplished, not just in war but in the peace that followed, continues to inspire us today. Their generation and our country 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, the Greatest Generation defended and then rebuilt our nation to make it even stronger. Their patriotism, service, and sacrifice not only defined their generation--they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our nation and the American people. Their legacy endures today. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War and the Korean 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, today, over ninety Iowa veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War will travel to our nation's capital. Together, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor by a grateful nation. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude. For many, today will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. I can think of no greater honor than to be able to greet them and thank Iowa's--and our nation's--heroes for their service to our country. That is why I am deeply honored to join them for their visit to the National World War II Memorial to personally thank these heroes for their service to our nation and to pay tribute to the incredible sacrifice they made for our country. Today's Honor Flight brings together three generations of veterans who will travel together and support one another throughout their trip. It brings together members of the Greatest Generation who defended and then rebuilt our nation to make it even stronger. It also brings together veterans who were never given the homecoming they deserved. Many of the Vietnam Veterans travelling on the Honor Flight will act as volunteer guardians for their fellow veterans--truly bringing together generations of those who have served our nation. This trip demonstrates that we as a state and as a country will never forget the debt we owe those who have worn our nation's uniform. Iowa's veterans will be able to visit their monuments because their fellow Iowans refused to let their service go unrecognized. Their generosity is truly humbling and should inspire us all to continue to work each and every day on behalf of those who serve our nation. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam 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, today, over eighty Iowa World War II and Korean War veterans will travel to our nation's capital. Accompanied by volunteer guardians, they will visit the monuments that were built in their honor. For many, today will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial. I am deeply honored to join them for their visit to the National World War II Memorial to personally thank these heroes for their service to our nation and to pay tribute to the incredible sacrifice that they made for our country. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude. As a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, I am proud to have a piece of marble in my office from the quarry that was used to build the World War II Memorial. Our World War II and Korean War veterans 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 both humbling and inspiring. The sheer magnitude of what the Greatest Generation accomplished, not just in war but in the peace that followed, continues to inspire us today. Their generation and our country 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, the Greatest Generation defended and then rebuilt our nation to make it even stronger. Their patriotism, service, and sacrifice not only defined their generation-- they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our nation and the American people. Their legacy endures today. I am tremendously proud to welcome the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War and the Korean 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, today I would like to recognize Mr. John McEleney, an automobile dealer in Clinton, Iowa. John, owner of McEleney Chevy Buick GMC Toyota, was recently nominated for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year award sponsored by TIME Magazine and Ally. John was nominated by Bruce Anderson, President of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association, and was honored at the National Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Exposition in Orlando. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the auto industry's most prestigious awards, recognizing both success in the industry and exemplary community service. John is a third-generation family dealer who operates a dealership first opened in 1914. He began washing cars and doing janitorial work at the dealership as a 13-year-old, and after graduating cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in business administration, he returned to Clinton in 1973 to join the dealership full-time. In 1976 John became dealer operator as a 24-year-old, carrying on the tradition of family ownership. John was chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association in 2009, a historic year in the auto industry, and he took part in many high-level policy discussions with the US Department of Treasury and the White House in an effort to fight for dealers across the country. In addition to his dedicated service at the family dealership and his work on behalf of the American auto industry, John has been a generous supporter of charitable efforts, including supporting the Iowa Automobile Dealers Foundation for Education and the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation. He also founded the ``Fill the Stocking Fund'' in Clinton that helps provide gifts and financial support for needy families within the community. John has chaired a successful fundraising campaign to support economic development in the Clinton area, as well as serving as president of the Clinton Rotary Club, on the Paul B. Sharar Foundation Board of Directors, and as vice president of the Mount St. Clare College board. On behalf of my constituents, I would like to thank John McEleney for his years of service to the Clinton community, the State of Iowa, and our nation. I know I join his colleagues, friends, and family in congratulating him for his nomination for TIME Dealer of the Year.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. Mr. Speaker, while I very much appreciate all the work of Congressmen McKeon and Smith on this bill, I rise today because I strongly oppose allowing plans to significantly cut the Air National Guard embodied in this bill. I worked on a bipartisan basis to block these cuts because I strongly believe that, before an irreversible decision is made, we must have the strategic and cost benefit justification. This 11th-hour proposal still does not provide that justification and should not move forward. The Iowa National Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing, for instance, is one of the most cost-effective and experienced units in the country. These men and women served our country and stayed honorably and they deserve better, yet this bill will allow their F-16s to be retired and positions cut without explanation for how it serves our national security or the taxpayers of America. I strongly oppose this decision, which is why I did not sign the conference report and, for the first time since I've come to this office, will oppose the National Defense Authorization Act this year. General Leave

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, my colleague Tom Latham from Iowa. This is my sixth year here in Congress. I'm just finishing it up, but this is only the third time that I've actually come to the floor to speak during Special Orders. That's how important it is for me to do this. The first time was when I was arguing for Boeing to get the tanker deal, when that was a big issue before our country. The second time was when I was pushing hard to make sure that the STOCK Act was passed so that Members could not trade on insider knowledge. Now I'm here for my good friend Leonard Boswell. It's not that I don't come to the floor very much--I do speak for bills, what have you--but not during Special Orders. This is only the third time, and it's with very good reason. I want to note at the outset here, too, how many Members of the Iowa delegation are here, including a former Member, Jim Nussle. It is really fantastic that you're here today, Jim. This is really an honor for Leonard. To think that you're here is just absolutely very special. When you say ``Special Orders,'' Mr. Speaker, it applies in this case. I didn't know Leonard Boswell very well when I first got elected in 2006. I knew him but not very well. I was not an elected official before I got elected in 2006, but I'd been involved in Democratic Party politics for a number of years in helping other folks get elected. I think it's fair to say that, when I got elected, neither Leonard nor I--and I think he would say this, I think he would admit this--had any idea what good friends we would become over the years. Leonard has been very helpful to me in sort of helping me navigate the ways of this Chamber, the ways of Washington, the ways of Congress--something that, I think, everybody knows is a challenge. Whether you've been in the State legislature or in any kind of legislative body prior to coming to the Congress, it is a challenge to get to know how to operate in this environment. Leonard has been very, very good for me, and I appreciate everything he has done. I could talk about his military service and all of these other things that Congressman Latham just mentioned, but I'm not going to go through that except to say that I'm on Armed Services. I've never served in the military myself. I have two marine children with whom we're going to be spending Christmas again this year. No matter what the Congress decides to do and what the President and Speaker Boehner decide to do, we're with them to honor them and to honor our military this Christmas. Leonard has a distinguished past in the military, and there is absolutely no doubt about that. There is one other thing I'll say about Leonard Boswell. We talked about a lot of us being from Iowa, but I often refer to Leonard Boswell as being ``of'' Iowa. He's an Iowan true and true in every possible way, and I think those of us who are from Iowa know exactly what I'm talking about. The rest of you, I'll explain it to you at some point if you so desire, but it is very important that Leonard Boswell is ``of'' Iowa. I've had a wonderful time serving with him these 6 years. We're not going to lose touch. I do have six of his former counties, including his home county of Decatur, and I look forward to staying in touch with him and getting more advice from Leonard as we go forward. He is a font of wisdom and advice for those of us who need it here in this body. Thank you very much for having me, and thank you especially, Congressman Latham, for organizing this. I think that tells us something about what can happen if we put our minds to it on the larger issues of getting this country back on its feet. Thank you, Tom. I appreciate it. Thank you, Leonard Boswell, for your wonderful service.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise again to highlight an important issue to Iowa and the Nation, the wind production tax credit. It expires in a month and must be extended immediately. Inaction has already led to job losses in Iowa and threatens thousands more jobs in our State. The wind credit has bipartisan roots and was an important issue in the Presidential and many congressional campaigns this year. The Senate already passed a bipartisan package that included the wind credit. It's past time for the House to act. Iowa is the second-largest producer of wind energy in the country. Wind manufacturing involves about 200 companies and 6,000 good-paying jobs for Iowans. Congress should not play games with people's jobs and pull the rug out from an industry employing thousands in the middle of an economic downturn. The wind credit is also critical for energy production and job creation. Congress must extend the wind credit now before more jobs are lost, especially at this time with unemployment and economic downturn that we still continue to suffer from.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today I have the great honor of welcoming to our nation's capital ninety-two Iowa veterans of the Greatest Generation and forty-three Gold Star family members who will be escorting them on their visit. This is truly a special Honor Flight because it is bringing together World War II and Korean War veterans with families who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 43 Gold Star family members travelling to our capital today represent 24 fallen servicemembers. I can think of no greater honor than to join them and our World War II and Korean War veterans at the National World War II Memorial during their visit and to personally thank Iowa's, and our nation's, heroes--our veterans and the families who have sacrificed so greatly on behalf of our country. When our country was threatened, our World War II and Korean War Veterans rose to defend not just our nation but the freedoms, democracy, and values that we hold dear. 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. This generation of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans is no less humbling in their service and sacrifice. They have fought overseas for over a decade so that we may live in peace here at home. While our country may never be able to repay the debt we owe our Gold Star families, we must uphold the promise that we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by their loved ones. I am tremendously proud and humbled to welcome the Quad Cities Honor Flight, our World War II and Korean War veterans, and our Gold Star families to our nation's capital today. On behalf of every Iowan I represent, I thank them for their service and sacrifice.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding, and I do rise in support of this bill. As we struggle to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, Congress must be good stewards of taxpayer funding and ensure that as families cut back and save, the government cuts back and saves as well. I have been pleased to work with Congressman Cole to promote this legislation. And as the only Democratic cosponsor, I do want to thank him for his work on this bill. I'm also pleased that Senator Coburn's identical amendment passed with huge bipartisan support in the Senate. And I do expect similar support in the House, as I think we can all agree on this commonsense way to ensure the prudent use of taxpayer funds. This bill will prohibit the use of public funding for political party conventions like the recent ones in Tampa and Charlotte. It will also put any leftover funding toward deficit reduction. And while I did not attend the convention this year so I could focus on the needs of Iowans, I know there is an important role some convention activities play for the political parties and for the country, and indeed for the political process in America. However, I do not believe that taxpayer dollars need to be used to fund them, especially when public funding, as was mentioned, only makes up 23 percent of the cost of the conventions, is far outweighed by private donations, and is used for purposes not necessarily critical to the continuance of our stable democracy. While Iowa families are struggling each day just to pay the bills, Washington should as well be focused on ensuring proper use of taxpayer resources. While I certainly appreciate the concerns of those opposed to this bill, I nonetheless hope that the House agrees that parties at political conventions are not a proper purpose or use of funds, taxpayer dollars. I do hope that my colleagues will support Congressman Cole's legislation to ensure taxpayer funds are not being used for either Republican or Democratic Parties, and that in the future, I would like to see us be much more thoughtful regarding where we apply public funds in the political process. I think there is an important role for that.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Skpeaker, next week, over 80 Iowa veterans of the Greatest Generation will travel to our nation's capital. Accompanied by volunteer guardians, these veterans will travel to Washington, DC to visit the monument that was built in their honor. For many of these veterans, next Tuesday, September 18th will be the first time they will see the National World War II Memorial. I am deeply honored to be joining them for a rally on September 17th to wish them well on their trip and to personally thank these heroes. I am proud to have a piece of marble from the quarry that supplied the marble 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 both humbling and inspiring. 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 nation to make it even stronger. Their patriotism, service, and great sacrifice not only defined their generation--they stand as a testament to the fortitude of our nation and the American people. I am tremendously proud to provide an early welcome to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and Iowa's veterans of the Second World War to our nation's capital next week. 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 express my support for women and families affected by ovarian cancer. In 2012, it is estimated that approximately 22,280 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,500 will die of the disease. In Iowa alone an estimated 190 women will die from ovarian cancer this year. Too many American women-- sisters, daughters, nieces, wives, friends, neighbors, and coworkers-- are losing their lives to this disease. Ovarian cancer is the ninth most common cancer among women and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making it the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. If ovarian cancer is treated before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 93 percent. Currently, only 15 percent of ovarian cancers are found at such an early stage and overall the relative five-year survival rate is 46 percent. I urge my colleagues to help make women aware of the potential warning signs to prevent future deaths. September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month--an important time during which ovarian cancer organizations, advocates, and others will be helping to raise awareness about the disease and its symptoms. As a member of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus, I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and to join us year round in working to increase public knowledge about this deadly disease and work towards a cure.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for home health care providers and care givers. As we look for ways to ensure that Medicare remains solvent in the years to come and continues to provide affordable, quality health care to our nation's seniors, it is important to highlight those initiatives that are currently working well and saving money for the program. Studies have shown that home health care services have saved Medicare $2.8 billion dollars over three years. This is because it is often less expensive to care for Medicare beneficiaries in their own homes than a skilled nursing facility or hospital setting. Further, quality care at home can prevent these more costly and intrusive interventions in the first place, as well as prevent repeat hospitalizations. Home health care also provides a more convenient and comfortable standard of living both for those receiving care and their families. The advantage of being home with your loved ones can make the world of difference in positive health outcomes. This is particularly important in rural areas like many parts of my district, where there often are fewer providers and choices when it comes to nursing care. As we work to find cost savings, it is important to keep in mind that home health care providers deliver quality, effective health care to our seniors and helps to keep Medicare costs down.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the Senate to highlight an important issue to Iowa, the wind production tax credit. It expires this year, as has been mentioned, and must be extended immediately. Inaction has already led to job losses in Iowa and threatens thousands of more jobs in our State. The PTC actually has its roots in Iowa and bipartisanship. Senator Grassley worked for its creation, and it has long had bipartisanship support. Last month, the Senate passed a bipartisanship package that included the wind credit. It's past time for the House to act. Iowa is the second-largest producer of wind energy, and turbine manufacturing involves about 200 companies and 6,000 good paying jobs for Iowans. As we struggle to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression, Congress cannot play games with people's jobs and pull the rug out from an industry employing thousands. Congress must extend the wind credit now before more jobs are lost.