David Loebsack

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to House Resolution 924 into the Record.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I am proud to speak today in strong support of House Resolution 924, congratulating Iowa State University of Science and Technology for 150 years of leadership and service to the United States and the world as Iowa's land-grant university. Iowa State University is not in the Second District, but it is a very important place to me. The university serves thousands of students across Iowa, helping them prepare for the workforce and starting them on the path to success. Iowa State is my alma mater. I received a first-rate education at the university; and although I now represent the University of Iowa Hawkeyes, I am proud to be a Cyclone. Iowa State has many claims to fame. It was the first land-grant institution to be coeducational from its opening, with 16 women in its first class. Future suffragette Carrie Chapman Catt was an 1880 graduate. George Washington Carver was the first African American student, earning a bachelor's degree in 1894 and a master's degree in 1896 and was also the institution's first African American faculty member. Iowa State is also known for its cutting-edge agricultural research. Agriculture is a driving force in our State's economy, and the work the university does helps us remain competitive and strong. I am proud to say that most undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at Iowa State come from Iowa, and a large proportion of these students remain in Iowa. In fact, about 71 percent of College of Agriculture and Life Science graduates stay in Iowa for their first jobs. Young men and women graduate and gain employment on farms and agricultural services, in forestry, in fishing, and much more. I congratulate Iowa State University for 150 years of excellence, and I look forward to another 150 years of the same. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. First I want to thank the gentleman from New York for his wonderful words for Iowa State University. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to my friend and mentor, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell).

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Yes.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Yes.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the University of Kansas for winning the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl and having the most successful year in the program's history. On January 3, 2008, Kansas captured its first major bowl victory in university history by defeating Virginia Tech. College football fans, student athletes, and the Nation were treated to an exceptional college bowl game. I want to extend my congratulations to head coach Mark Mangino, athletic director Lou Perkins, University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway, and Kansas's student athletes for winning the Orange Bowl and obtaining a school record 12-1 season. I also want to extend my congratulations to the Virginia Tech Hokies and their student athletes for a great season. Winning the Orange Bowl and finishing the season with a 12-1 record has brought positive national attention to Kansas, and I know the fans of the university will cherish this moment as they look forward to the 2008 season. Student athletes balance a rigorous school workload with the many practices and games in which they compete. I am proud of student athletes for their dedication to their schoolwork and their sport. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate the University of Kansas for their success, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 948) congratulating the University of Kansas (``KU'') football team for winning the 2008 FedEx Orange Bowl and having the most successful year in program history, as amended.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), also the distinguished Chair of the Armed Services Committee on which I serve.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may insert material relevant to House Resolution 948 into the Record.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. LOEBSACK asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of California, Los Angeles, on its 100th NCAA team championship. On May 13, 2007, the women's water polo team, led by head coach Adam Krikorian, defeated Stanford 9-4 in the last round of the Women's Water Polo National Championship tournament, thereby making the University of California, Los Angeles, the first team in history to win 100 NCAA team championships. This was the team's third consecutive NCAA championship and its fifth overall national title. Team member Kelly Rulon was selected as the tournament's Most Valuable Player, and Ms. Rulon and four of her teammates, Emily Feher, Courtney Mathewson, Jillian Kraus, and Kacy Kunkel, were named to the NCAA all-tournament team. UCLA won its first national title in men's tennis in 1950. Since then, 16 different athletics programs, nine men's programs and seven women's, have won national championships in the sports of basketball, golf, gymnastics, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and, of course, water polo. In the last 5 years alone, under the leadership of director of athletics Dan Guerrero, UCLA teams have won 14 NCAA national championships in nine different sports. This extraordinary achievement is a tribute to the skill and dedication of the many players, coaches, students, alumni, families, professors, staff, and fans who have helped to make UCLA an athletic powerhouse as well as an academic force. Madam Speaker, I express my support for H. Res. 493 and urge my colleagues to pass this measure. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. This bipartisan bill is the product of many months and even years of thoughtful negotiation, and I congratulate the authors of this legislation, Congressman Kennedy and Congressman Ramstad, on their work to move this bill forward. And I might add that I did know Paul Wellstone, and I knew Sheila very well, too, and I know the both of them were strong advocates on this issue. I, like many others, have personally felt the effects of mental illness in my family. My mother struggled with mental health issues for as long as I can remember, and I know firsthand how difficult and draining her struggle was. We have all heard the statistics. One in every five people in our country will experience a mental illness this year. Many of these individuals will seek treatment, and without this legislation many would be denied. This is unacceptable. I hope today this House will understand the importance of equal access to treatment for those suffering from mental illness. I was elected to this House to do the right thing for the people of the Second District of Iowa and the right thing for the people of America. This is the right thing to do, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I think I will probably speak just 1 minute, but thank you. I appreciate that very much. As a long-time political science teacher at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, I am proud to join in support of this bipartisan legislation. I know the college system well. In addition to my teaching experience, I have visited the colleges and universities throughout Iowa's Second District. I have heard firsthand the struggles students face. By expanding the year-round Pell Grant, the students I've met with, especially at Iowa's community colleges like Kirkwood and Indian Hills, will be able to expedite their studies, enter the workforce sooner, and achieve the American Dream. I am also pleased to see many rural education provisions in this bill. In Iowa, 46 percent of schools are in rural areas, and they serve close to 170,000 students. Iowa's rural education system is impressive, but we should be doing more to give rural students the resources they need to succeed. This legislation makes college more affordable and accessible to students, and I strongly support it and in no small measure because, again, of the bipartisan support that so many folks on this committee have demonstrated.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, in recent years we have seen several mine tragedies that cost the lives of hardworking individuals. Our first thought should always be the safety of mine workers. We must ensure there are adequate regulations in place to provide the safest working environments possible. Iowa is a proud home to many limestone producers. While they share our goal of protecting mine workers, we must also recognize the differences between limestone mining and coal mining. These local producers are concerned that some provisions in this bill may harm small businesses. These businesses provide jobs in our local communities and are critical to Iowa's continued economic development. I want to thank the chairman for his work on this bill and for his willingness to continue a dialogue on this issue. As this bill continues to move through the legislative process, I hope we can reach a compromise supported by workers, industry, Congress, and the administration.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank especially Chairman Skelton for yielding 1 minute. I want to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for their bipartisan leadership on this bill. I am proud to work with them to restore the readiness of our military, support our deployed troops and their families, and increase the oversight of our ongoing presence in Iraq. Our National Guard and active duty forces are stretched to the breaking point. This bill takes great strides to address this critical issue to ensure our Guard are properly trained and equipped to respond to threats both home and abroad. Moreover, this legislation includes an amendment that I offered with Representative Cummings of Maryland which requires General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker to report to Congress every three months on the status of military operations and political reconciliation in Iraq. Such oversight is crucial to our ability to find a new way forward in Iraq. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation, and I thank Chairman Skelton once again for allowing me to speak for 1 minute.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. I want to commend Chairman Miller, Mr. McKeon, Mr. Kildee and Mr. Castle on their impressive work on this truly bipartisan legislation. This conference report is proof positive that in spite of the rancor evident this morning, when we put our minds to it and work together, we can, in fact, get things done in this Congress. Head Start offers comprehensive early childhood development services to our Nation's neediest children. These comprehensive services are key to the program's success. Head Start engages parents and the community in students' lives and provides important nutritional, health and social services. Studies show that children who enroll in Head Start excel academically, they have fewer health problems, and adapt better both socially and emotionally. I am proud to say that over 9,600 children are enrolled in the program in Iowa. I grew up in poverty, and I know firsthand how important programs like Head Start are to low-income families. I urge my colleagues to support this conference report and this rule, and I hope it will be quickly signed into law.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to echo the vital message of this resolution. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. Included in that bill is a 3.5 percent pay raise for the men and women who wear our country's uniform. While we will never be able to fully repay the debt we owe to our troops and their families for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our Nation, this pay raise is the very least that we can do in recognition of their commitment to our country. Today our servicemembers and our military families are answering their call to duty with dedication and honor, despite lengthy deployments and little time at home. I recently returned from visiting our troops in Iraq--including the Iowa National Guard 833rd Engineer Battalion based in my District. What I heard overwhelmingly from our servicemembers is that they take pride in serving their country but are concerned about the hardship placed on their families at home. The 833rd was redeployed to Iraq after only 14 months at home. These citizen soldiers have paid a high price in their civilian and family lives in order to serve their country. The pay raise provided by the Defense Authorization bill is well deserved and a token of the appreciation of a grateful Nation. Unfortunately the Administration has deemed the .5 percent added by Congress to its request for a 3 percent raise to be ``unnecessary.'' I, and many others in this Congress, say it is necessary. I am a cosponsor of this resolution because I strongly believe we have a responsibility to provide for our servicemembers both on the battlefield and throughout their lives. This resolution also highlights the importance of a provision in the Defense Authorization bill that provides the families of fallen soldiers with a $40 per month special survivor indemnity allowance in relief of the ``Military Families Tax.'' The Administration also opposes this provision. Its opposition is once again misplaced. This tax is unfairly placed on more than 60,000 survivors of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am proud that as a Freshman Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I helped shape a Defense Authorization bill that recognizes the dedication and honor of our troops. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and to send a strong message that the United States Congress recognizes the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform and is committed to providing lifelong support to our servicemembers and our military families. Madam Speaker, at this time I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida, and I'm going to speak not to what was, but what is today and what should be in the future. I rise today in strong support of this conference agreement and the rule, especially the agreement's increased funding for both the NIH and the veterans health care system. I have seen firsthand the amazing advancements in research that are brought about through NIH funding. The University of Iowa's per capita NIH research productivity is ranked sixth among public universities in this Nation. Their important work benefits both Iowa and the Nation. Unfortunately, over the past 5 years funding for the NIH has fallen behind biomedical inflation, and we all suffer from these setbacks as advancements in treatment and cures for cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's and many other diseases are jeopardized. That's why I strongly support the increased funding for the NIH and other health care programs in this conference report today. In recent years, important veterans health care funding has also fallen behind. I could not be more proud that this conference report also includes the single largest increase in veterans funding in the VA's 77-year history. By providing $37.2 billion for VA hospitals and clinics, we will ensure that the VA has the resources and oversight necessary to ensure that veterans receive excellent health care, rehabilitation services, and system-wide support. This funding will also provide research into the treatment of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, two devastating conditions that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans face all too frequently and will into the future. I strongly believe that bold action such as this conference report is necessary to address our Nation's and our veterans' health care needs. Today, we are taking an important step forward. We are telling America that we have our priorities right, and I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the conference report.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1483, Celebrating America's Heritage Act. I thank Congressman Regula, Chairman Rahall, and their staff for their hard work on bringing this deserving and important legislation to the floor for full consideration. This bi-partisan legislation will authorize additional funding to existing National Heritage Areas, ensure adequate management of these areas, and establish six new Heritage Areas which enjoy broad community support. The National Heritage Area program is unique in that it involves whole communities in public/private partnerships to recognize, and appreciate our Nation's shared history for generations to come. I'm so pleased that both sides of the aisle support the goals of the National Heritage Area program. President Herbert Hoover said, ``Honor is not the exclusive property of any political party.'' This bill proves that honoring our past is also not the exclusive property of any political party. President Hoover, a native Iowan, was born in West Branch, Iowa on August 10, 1874. Thanks in part to the Silos and Smokestacks, or America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership program, President Hoover's birthplace, and other similar historic sites are preserved and included in the 37 county, 20,000 square mile region of Iowa which showcases over 100 farms, agribusiness and heritage sites to a world wide audience. The Silos and Smokestacks program boasts over $1.2 million in Federal grants awarded with a match from our local Iowa communities of $8.3 million. Of these grants, 27 were awarded to schools allowing 1,619 students to learn about Iowa's heritage. With the increased funding authorized in this legislation for the existing National Heritage Areas, over 300,000 students in the Silos and Smokestacks area will have a chance to learn about Iowa's agricultural history and heritage. I urge my colleagues to support this culturally important legislation.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Thank you, Chairman Filner, and thank you, Congressman Boswell, Congressman Braley, and Congressman Boozman, for your bipartisan support on this bill. I rise today in strong support of H.R. 327, the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act. This bill was one of the very first bills that I cosponsored as a new Member of Congress, and I did so because I believe we have a moral obligation to care for those who have worn our country's uniform. Indeed, just yesterday, early yesterday, I visited the mental health unit at our military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. The incidence of suicide among our Nation's veterans is indeed staggering. In fact, it has reached the highest rate in 28 years, and we've already heard about Joshua Omvig, himself one of Iowa's own. By directing the VA to implement screening, counseling, and other mental health services for returning veterans, this legislation will reach those who are most in need of our help. I urge the passage of this legislation, and I urge the President to quickly sign it into law so that these vital mental health services can reach our Nation's veterans.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 507, the Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007. I applaud Congressman Green for introducing this important legislation and for recognizing the importance of vision screening for our children. It is estimated that one in four children in school and one in twenty children in preschool develop eye disorders. Screening for vision problems in children is extremely important as it can be difficult to recognize these types of problems in children, and children are often not capable of expressing they are experiencing vision issues. Amblyopia is cited as the most common vision problem in children. This affects one or both eyes and can lead to permanent vision loss and long term problems. As many as 9,000 children in Iowa under the age of 4 suffer from this problem. Thankfully for children in Iowa, the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and the Lions Club of Iowa teamed up in 2000 to create a program called Iowa KidSight. Iowa KidSight provides free vision screening for infants and young children throughout every county in Iowa and also serves to educate parents and the public on the benefits of vision screening. Since 2000, Iowa KidSight has screened over 90,300 children from the ages of 6 years to 48 months. Unfortunately not every child who is referred to see a specialist is able to do so for a variety of reasons, which is why the Vision Care for Kids Act is so important. This legislation will help supplement the program in my state and others by awarding grants to help ensure these children are able to see a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, receive the treatment they need, and also inform and educate parents, teachers, and others who work with children on recognizing early signs of vision problems. Detecting early signs of vision problems in children and getting them the medical attention they need can be crucial for development and well-being for the rest of their lives. The Vision Care for Kids Act recognizes this fact and will make significant improvements in the amount of children who are able to receive the care they need to learn and grow. I strongly support H.R. 507, the Vision Care for Kids Act and urge its passage.

Mr. LOEBSACK

Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2895, the National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007. I am extremely pleased to see this legislation, which will help thousands of low- income individuals and families, be considered by the House. I praise the goals of this legislation, and thank Chairman Frank and his staff for the hard work and advocacy on behalf of the families that will benefit from the funding of clean, safe, and healthy environments in which to live. One of the goals of this legislation to produce, rehabilitate, and preserve 1.5 million affordable housing units over the next 10 years is extremely important to not only those families who will benefit from the improvements, but also to our nation's economy and productivity. Individuals and families that have adequate housing can focus their efforts on work and raising their families, instead of worrying about the state of disrepair of their house or housing unit. Homeownership exemplifies the American Dream. This dream is increasingly difficult for many to realize, even after years of hard work and strife. The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act will assist those individuals who may have believed homeownership to be out of reach by helping them with down payments and other costs associated with first- time home buying. This legislation is specifically targeted to extremely low and low- income families, meaning those who most need help will receive that assistance and improve upon their current living conditions. The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund also targets funds to the local jurisdictions that have the experience in providing and administering affordable housing, and who work within the community with the actual residents. While Iowa may not have many ``urban'' areas in which poverty issues are traditionally highlighted; many rural areas of Iowa have seen good- paying jobs leave our towns at an astonishing rate, devastating our communities. It is estimated there are 305,000 Iowan's living in poverty. Of that 305,000, almost 90,000 are children under the age of 18. In 1949, The U.S. Housing Act established the admirable goal of ``a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American Family.'' The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund is another step this Congress has taken to ensure we adhere to this goal. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.