David Loebsack

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, and I thank Chairman Miller for his impressive work on this legislation. As a result of this legislation, Iowa students and families will receive $232 million over 5 years in additional benefits in the form of student loans and Pell grants. Almost 77,000 students will benefit from the eligibility expansion and Pell Grant increase in this bill. I am also very pleased that an amendment that I offered in committee to allow part-time students and students in certificate programs to participate in the year-round Pell Grant program and accelerate their studies was accepted. As a long-time teacher at Cornell College in Iowa, I regularly encountered students struggling to afford their education, and I am certain that this bill makes the right investments at a critical time for our students. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I strongly support its passage.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this amendment and of the underlying bill, which provides overseas family planning providers with a targeted exemption from the restrictions of the Global Gag Rule. As this amendment makes crystal clear, the contraceptive exemption in this bill allows for only the provision of donated contraceptives--not funding--to NGOs that would otherwise be barred from receiving U.S. assistance. In so doing, this bill will provide millions of men and women with contraceptive products. Since President Bush reinstated the Global Gag Rule in 2001, U.S. government shipments of contraceptives and condoms have ceased to twenty developing countries, including Cote d'lvoire and Vietnam--two focus countries of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Restricting access to U.S.-donated contraceptives and condoms is counterproductive to our country's unprecedented commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, providing modern contraceptives to the 200 million women in the developing world who desire this health care would avert 52 million unwanted pregnancies, prevent 22 million abortions, and would keep 505,000 children from losing their mothers each year. Put simply, contraceptives prevent unintended pregnancies which often end in abortion, and condoms prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS. These facts are undisputable. I commend Chairwoman Lowey for her willingness to offer this amendment to clarify the legislative intent of this important provision, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to protect access to common-sense prevention measures that will improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I thank the gentlewoman from New York for yielding, and I thank the gentleman from Florida for introducing this legislation. I rise today to voice my strong support for the SBA's Veterans' Programs Act. The SBA's Veterans' Business Outreach Initiative was established to facilitate business ownership among disabled veterans by providing one- stop assistance and counseling. Today's legislation will expand the success of this initiative. As an exemplary public/private partnership, Veterans' Business Outreach Centers represent the comprehensive, cooperative and effective support that our Nation can and should provide our country's veterans. This program provides greater opportunity to returning servicemembers and encourages economic development in communities across the country. Our troops fight for our country abroad, and we have a responsibility to provide for their future at home. Their sacrifice warrants our support. And they deserve every opportunity to succeed in business after their dedicated service to our country. This bill provides veterans with the community and government support necessary to ensure their success, and I support its passage.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1427, the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007. Specifically, I rise in support of Section 139, establishing the Affordable Housing Fund. In Congress we often talk about the American dream. Many believe that if an individual works hard and plays by the rules they are able to provide for their families, and keep a roof over their heads. Unfortunately, it isn't always that easy. Access to affordable, safe, and clean housing is often difficult to come by. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in Iowa the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $594. The estimated average wage for a renter is $9.62 per hour, meaning a renter must work 47 hours per week, 52 weeks a year in order to afford a two-bedroom apartment. If you earn the minimum wage, which remains only $5.15 an hour, you would need to work 89 hours per week, 52 weeks per year to afford a two-bedroom home in Iowa. Thankfully, this bill establishes the Affordable Housing Fund which provides greater access for our neediest citizens to pursue the American dream and raise their families in a safe environment, which ultimately leads to greater productivity and a better life for themselves and their children. I was raised in poverty and know first hand the every-day struggle to survive that millions of Americans face on a low or very-low income. Not only will this legislation help those individuals find and afford adequate housing, it will also encourage investment and infrastructure improvements in some of the most underserved areas of our country. This term ``underserved'' applies to both low-income urban areas and to the many rural areas in our country. Many rural areas of Iowa have seen good-paying jobs leave our towns at an astonishing rate, in turn devastating our communities. Affordable and accessible housing helps keep communities whole. In 1949, The U. S. Housing Act established the admirable goal of ``a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American Family.'' I believe the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act remains true to this goal. It is an important step in improving and reviving our cities and rural areas. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on this legislation.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise today to offer H.R. 1505. This bill designates the United States Federal building located at 131 East 4th Street in Davenport, Iowa, the James A. Leach United States Courthouse. Jim Leach represented Iowa with grace and distinction for 30 years, and this legislation is a tribute to his service. His legacy of statesmanship, his leadership in foreign affairs and financial services is already recounted. His dedication to public service and his capable representation of his constituents left a lasting impact on the district I am now honored to represent. Jim is a native son of Iowa; and throughout his time in Congress, his representation of the State was based upon the values of the people he represented and of the town in which he grew up. Jim recently joined the faculty of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton, his alma mater. As a former professor myself, and I say former now, I believe I can say with some authority that the experience and knowledge that Jim has brought to the Woodrow Wilson School has no doubt been a tremendous asset for Princeton students and faculty. In fact, as a professor at Cornell College in Iowa, I was pleased to invite Jim to campus to lecture on foreign policy matters. His talks were always informative and engaging. I know that these guest lectures were only a glimpse of the knowledge, the depth of the knowledge and expertise that Jim has brought to Princeton on a daily basis. That he chose to continue his commitment to public service by training the next generation of scholars and practitioners is indicative of Jim's time in Congress, and I wish him the best of luck in his new career. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jim for his many years of service. It is my hope that I am able to represent Iowa's Second District as capably as he did for so many years. And I join with my colleagues and urge you to pass this resolution.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 385, a bill to recognize National AmeriCorps Week, and the importance of the contributions made by AmeriCorps volunteers across the country. The goal of AmeriCorps is one of the most noble. AmeriCorps enables each and every individual who is interested in giving of their time and talents to do just that. AmeriCorps members provide service to address our country's most pressing needs, including improving education, working to protect our environment, fighting poverty, ending homelessness and much more. Margaret Meade said, ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'' Since 1994, AmeriCorps has supported over 500,000 people who have contributed nearly 700 million hours of service to local communities. These are individuals who truly embody Margaret Meade's words. These are committed individuals who are helping to change our world for the better. The dedication and passion of these volunteers is admirable. I am proud that there are so many Americans who believe that volunteerism is important and necessary. In fact, it's the very foundation of our democracy. Iowa is lucky to have a strong AmeriCorps presence. Iowa nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions. Between 2003 and 2005, Iowa volunteers contributed nearly 300 million hours of volunteer service to organizations in the State. In 2005 alone, the economic impact of volunteer service to Iowa charitable organizations was over $1.78 billion. My district is lucky to have Senior Corps programs, AmeriCorps programs and Learn and Serve in both Iowa City and Van Buren Community School Districts. The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service wants to increase volunteer presence across the State, and I fully support this goal. This resolution is both necessary and important. Congress and the Nation should be proud of AmeriCorps members and alumni. We must also raise awareness about the importance of national and community service and encourage individuals to participate in service opportunities in their communities, including in AmeriCorps programs. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and to extend my condolences to his family on his passing. While teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop, which I am honored to represent in Iowa's Second District, Mr. Vonnegut received the Guggenheim Scholarship to return to Dresden, Germany and begin work on the novel that would eventually come to be known as Slaughterhouse Five. Mr. Vonnegut taught at the Workshop from 1965-1967, and Iowa mourns the loss of one of America's finest writers and one of the many fine writers who have helped to carry on the tradition of exceptional writing in Iowa. Kurt Vonnegut was a writer capable of capturing the imagination of not only his generation, but of America's youth for generations to come. His works examine the moral compass of America, and his often hilarious satirization of the culture of our time has earned him the rightful reputation of America's most celebrated satirist since Mark Twain. Yet he was also a humanist who not only examined some of the most defining moments in our history--most famously World War II in Slaughterhouse Five--but also, and in spite of the violence he had seen as a prisoner of war, concluded that human kindness is alive and well. His contributions to American culture are immense and will not soon be forgotten. Thank you, Mr. Vonnegut, for your contribution to American literature.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, today, my colleagues and I from the Iowa delegation are introducing a resolution congratulating Zach Johnson on his 2007 Masters Tournament victory. Zach Johnson is the first Iowan to win the Masters, and is only the second native born Iowan to win a major golf championship. As many Iowans will recall, Jack Fleck won the 1955 U.S. Open Championship at Olympic Club in San Francisco. Zach has joined the ranks of golfs greatest champions, including Byron Nelson, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and many others. I'm particularly proud of Zach's accomplishments because he is a true Iowan, and from the 2nd District, which I represent. He was born in Iowa City and raised in Cedar Rapids. Zach was a member of the Regis High School golf team in Cedar Rapids. His talent and dedication helped lead the team to an Iowa 4A State Golf Championship in 1992. He also played on his Drake University golf team in Des Moines, there he helped lead the team to three NCAA regional meets and two Missouri Valley championships. Zach continued to impress in his early professional career. He won his first PGA Tour event at the 2004 Bell South Classic and qualified for the 2006 U.S. Ryder Cup team representing the U.S. as one of 12 golfers in Kildare, Ireland. On Sunday April 8, 2007, Zach Johnson showed great skill, patience and will. He withstood the challenge of the weather and of the course, and won the prestigious 2007 Masters Tournament. All of Iowa is proud of our hometown success story.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, this bill makes technical corrections to the Older Americans Reauthorization Act of 2006. The bill would restore language regarding the administration of the Nutrition Services Incentive Program that existed prior to the Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2006. Prior to the reauthorization, this nutrition program provided cash or USDA commodities to states to supplement meals for the elderly. Six states chose to receive USDA commodities through the program-- Massachusetts, Kansas, Connecticut, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Delaware. However, while attempting to relieve administrative burdens for USDA during the last reauthorization, Congress inadvertently denied states the ability to directly purchase essential USDA commodities. This was not the intent of Congress. The states that receive USDA commodities run tremendous programs that help provide nutritious meals to seniors. Many states reported that they were able to double the value of their appropriated funds by purchasing USDA commodities and Massachusetts reported that because of this program they were able to avoid waiting lists for meals for 17 years. I've heard from my fellow Iowans on the importance of this program as well. Iowa has participated in this program and recognizes its benefits. We never received much money for commodities--only about $155,000--but the money goes a long way. Our Area Agencies on Aging often have a hard time meeting their budgets, but USDA commodities allowed them to serve more meals at a higher quality. Iowa fully intends to take advantage of USDA commodities again once we pass this bill. This bill hasn't strayed from Congress' original intent either. The bill reduces the administrative burden on USDA, and streamlines the transfer of funds between the Department of Health and Human Services, to which funds are appropriated, and the Department of Agriculture, which purchases commodities for the states. We must pass this bill today so that states wishing to take some or all of their NSIP allotment in commodities may place their order with the Department of Agriculture for FY 2008 by April 7th. It's time to fix the mistakes that were made and allow these state to continue to serve seniors the most effective way possible. The Senate bill was read a third time and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate bill (S. 1002) to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to reinstate certain provisions relating to the nutrition services incentive program, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I call attention to the important and essential role that nurses play in providing quality heath care across our Nation. Nurses are the health professionals involved on the front lines of caring for Americans. Our Nation's health care system is complex and every day people with all types of needs are served by legions of caring, qualified and professional nurses. They are integral to our Nation's heath care delivery system. I believe every person can remember an experience when someone they loved needed heath care and a nurse was the first person by their side providing care and comfort. We all know someone who works in the field of nursing and the commitment they make to their profession, despite extraordinary challenges everyday. The Nurse in Washington Internship program has brought more than 100 representatives of this noble field to our Nation's Capitol this week to give voice to their needs and experience. They see more of our constituents and care for more of our children then we will ever meet and we should listen and respect their views. An adequate supply of nurses is essential to ensuring that all people receive quality care and that our Nation's public health infrastructure has the professionals necessary to respond to natural and manmade disasters. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) projects that today's 10 percent vacancy rate in registered nurses will grow to 36 percent by 2020, representing more than one million unfilled jobs. Additional Congressional leadership, ongoing support and federal funding is necessary to ensure that the nation has an adequate supply of nurses to care for the patients of today and tomorrow.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, Mr. Engel, for yielding. Madam Speaker, today with all my colleagues I stand here in support our brave men and women of the Armed Services, as well as their families. We should honor their great commitment and sacrifices without hesitation. I support this resolution because I believe the President's plan for escalation is the wrong approach to the conflicts in Iraq. But this must not be the end of our efforts in Congress. For too long, Congress refused to stand up to the administration. Our actions today must mark the beginning of Congress' role, not the end. The time has come to tell President Bush enough is enough. Last November, the American people spoke. They spoke loudly and clearly on a number of issues, but none more passionately and forcefully than the war in Iraq. The American people, long before this debate this week, decided that the misadventure in Iraq must end. Our troops have performed valiantly in Iraq. In just a matter of a few weeks they removed from power a brutal dictator and began to provide the Iraqi people the opportunity to construct a new political order. Our troops have also contributed mightily to the reconstruction and development of the Iraqi economy and infrastructure. But over the course of this conflict, the mission of our troops has been transformed, and now they find themselves in the middle of a civil war that involves not just two sides, but almost innumerable factions in conflict with one another. What is worse is the continued presence of American troops in Iraq will likely only inflame the ongoing sectarian strife and create more, if not fewer, enemies of America. The bottom line is that a continued presence of American troops will only exacerbate the multiple conflicts in Iraq. As a member of the Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, I have additional concerns regarding President Bush's proposed escalation. I believe such an escalation will further strain the limited resources available to our military. Already we know our readiness levels for our troops not yet deployed are inadequate. A further escalation of troop levels in Iraq will only exacerbate this problem and put more servicemen and women in harm's way without the proper training or equipment. Our troops were not trained to be peacemakers in situations such as today's Iraq. Some have argued that we need to increase the number of troops, so that we can engage in an action similar to what our forces did in Bosnia. Madam Speaker, this is at best a false analogy. Iraq today is not Bosnia of 1995. Today's Iraq is in the early stages of a series of conflicts that may indeed intensify, but this will occur irrespective of whether we insert another 21,500 troops. We simply cannot solve the sectarian conflicts militarily. While it was the Bush administration who initiated hostile actions in March of 2003, I believe it is now necessary for the Iraqi people to step up and assume responsibility for their future. What is also needed now more than ever is for this administration to reach out to our traditional allies and those in the region who have a significant stake in the future of Iraq. The Bush administration must do something that it has been woefully reluctant to do. It must admit that it made a major strategic and foreign policy mistake when it invaded Iraq in the first place. And I am willing to wager that such an admission would go a distance towards at least beginning to repair our relations with the rest of the world, and the improvement of our relations with our traditional allies beyond the British is a prerequisite to securing their help on Iraq. Madam Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support this resolution today, as the beginning of this Chamber's efforts to protect our troops and bring our country's involvement in this war to an end.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I stand before all of you today as an example of what can be achieved if provided the opportunity and resources. I grew up in poverty and relied upon loans and grants to pay for my education. In short, I was able to achieve the American Dream because of legislation similar to the College Student Relief Act. In America, millions of high school students forego higher education because of the financial barriers created by the ever increasing costs of tuition and fees at our colleges and universities. This situation harms qualified but economically disadvantaged students and endangers our country because the American economy relies on a highly skilled and well educated workforce. As a college professor for the past 24 years, I saw firsthand the financial struggle so many students face. I call on my colleagues to support H.R. 5 because it is time we provide hope and opportunity to the youth of our country, the youth who want to participate productively in an increasingly globalized economy.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, due to a death in the family I missed two votes on Friday, January 12, 2007. Please note in the appropriate place in the Congressional Record that had I been present, I would have voted as noted below. Rollcall Vote 22: ``nay.'' Rollcall Vote 23: ``aye.''

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, the Fair Minimum Wage Act is aptly named because this legislation is about fairness, about shrinking the ever- widening gap between those who can afford to live in our society and those who struggle every day to make ends meet. My constituents in Iowa and people across America are working harder, but they are not receiving the fruits of their labor, and many face daily financial hardships. I am very concerned that while Congress has failed to raise the minimum wage for the past 10 years, the salaries of the Members of this body have risen dramatically. For the past 10 years, the minimum wage remains stagnant at $5.15 an hour, but annual congressional salaries rose by more than three times what a minimum wage earner makes in a year. I call on all of my colleagues today to promptly increase the minimum wage and show America that we are about fairness, about rewarding those who work hard day in and day out.