21 May 2014

Sens. Harkin, Franken, Roberts, Barrasso Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Rural Health Care

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Senators' Legislation Will Help Ensure that Rural Residents Have Equal Access to Quality Care

WASHINGTON, D.C.?Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Al Franken (D-MN), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced a bipartisan bill to help rural communities address the challenges they face when it comes to providing quality health care.

The Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act (R-HoPE) would support the efforts of rural health care systems to provide innovative, sustainable health care solutions for patients in rural America. Specifically, the legislation would extend several programs that provide access to hospitals, doctors, and ambulance services in rural areas.

"This bill would be a critical first step toward equalizing Medicare reimbursement between rural and urban areas," said Sen. Harkin, who is Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. "Giving Iowa's hospitals, physicians, ambulance companies, and home health agencies the resources they need to serve the many rural communities around our  state is essential to fulfilling the promise of quality healthcare for every American. States with large rural populations face a significant disadvantage in access to healthcare compared to other parts of the country and this bill will help to ensure that Medicare patients in rural states, like Iowa, will have access to the best service regardless of where they live."

 

"Providing quality health care to Minnesota's rural communities requires innovative solutions," said Sen. Franken, who was recently named co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, as long-serving co-chair Sen. Tom Harkin retires this year. "We can't afford to ignore the complexities of health care delivery in our rural communities. Our bipartisan bill will help health providers expand access to quality care, and help ensure that rural residents are afforded the best possible health care regardless of their location."

"The R-HoPE Act recognizes that rural health care providers have very different needs than their urban counterparts and that health care is not one size fits all," said Roberts, co-chair of the Senate Rural Health Caucus. "I am glad we were able to include provisions to get rid of the 'condition of payment' known as the burdensome 96-hour rule, which is particularly troubling for critical access hospitals and in turn, their patients."

"In Wyoming, we understand the unique challenges our rural and frontier communities must overcome when people need medical care. Washington's one-size-fits-all approach to health care simply doesn't serve Wyoming patients well," said Sen. Barrasso. "Our bill will help create an effective and accessible rural health care system by putting our rural providers on a level playing field with other doctors and hospitals across the country.  Most importantly, this bill ensures that folks in rural states like Wyoming have access to medical care as close to home as possible."

You can read a summary of the bill here and download a copy of the bill here. The bill number is S. 2359.

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20 May 2014

Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Members of the Civil Air Patrol to Become Law

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Thad Cochran (R-MS), and U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) who provided extraordinary public and combat emergency services during World War II. Harkin and Cochran are the lead Senate sponsors of the measure while McCaul and Cuellar have led the effort in the House.  The legislation passed the U.S. Senate in May 2013 and now goes to President Obama's desk for signature.

"The Civil Air Patrol is one of the unique institutions in our country.  This legislation will offer long overdue recognition to a courageous group of individuals who answered the call to duty at our nation's time of greatest danger," said Senator Harkin, the Commander of the Congressional Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.  "Flying aircraft that were often only equipped with a compass and a single radio, and lacking any personal safety equipment, CAP members flew over 24 million miles during World War II, playing a vital role in protecting the nation. This Congressional Gold Medal will ensure that their story is told over and over again for future generations, and it recognizes CAP and its WWII members for their critically important service to our nation."

"Threats that arose during World War II were not just overseas, but also to our homeland.  Those in the Civil Air Patrols, including Mississippians who helped monitor the Gulf Coast, effectively deployed civilian aircraft to protect our shores from these dangers," said Senator Cochran. "I'm pleased that this legislation to honor the selfless service and sacrifice of the Civil Air Patrol will now go to the President to be signed into law."

"The awarding of the nation's highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, to the members of the Civil Air Patrol ensures that long overdue and proper recognition has finally been bestowed upon these brave men. The Civil Air Patrol's valiant efforts in defending our coastline, providing combat services, and flying dangerous humanitarian missions in America during World War II embodies the American Spirit of volunteerism. These brave men were an integral part in defending not only our homeland, but also our principles of freedom and liberty. I am proud Congress has taken this step to recognize all of the important work the Civil Air Patrol did nearly 70 years after its founding," said Representative McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Lt. Colonel of the Congressional Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

"The Civil Air Patrol was comprised of volunteers who banded together on December 1, 1941 to create a volunteer air patrol to defend their country," said Representative Cuellar. "I am honored to recognize the Civil Air Patrol for their contributions and service to our country during World War II. This Congressional Gold Medal recognition is long overdue and well deserved."

In March of 1942, members of the Civil Air Patrol started an anti-submarine coastal patrol off the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. CAP operations reported 173 submarines and found 325 survivors of attacks. There were more than 60,000 adult civilian members of the CAP in a wide range of positions, and CAP aircrews flew a total of approximately 750,000 hours during the war, most of which were in their personal aircraft and often at real risk to their lives. CAP operations were characterized by an exceptional emphasis on safety, discipline and organization. However, by the end of the war, 64 members of the CAP had died in service.

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21 Apr 2014

Harkin Office Launches Summer Tour

By Sen. Tom Harkin

"In the Footsteps of History" to highlight Harkin's partnership with Iowa communities through the years

DES MOINES - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that his office is launching a summer tour of all Iowa counties aimed at highlighting his partnership with Iowa communities through the years, which include efforts to keep Iowa communities healthy and safe, keep communities thriving through targeted education, research, and economic development projects and promote local agriculture and conservation, while mitigating disasters.  The tour begins May 1 in Shelby County and will run through July.

"One of Iowa's many strengths is its communities, which are strengthened by investments that create jobs, foster economic development, and improve the health and wellbeing of its residents," said Harkin. "Local economies are stronger with these investments.  I am proud of every project I have worked on that has invested in Iowa communities and I look forward to revisiting the progress that has been made over the years."

 

The kickoff event for the "In the Footsteps of History" tour will be at the Danish windmill in Shelby County, where Harkin's State Director, Rob Barron, will return exactly 38 years to the day that Harkin as a new Congressman helped in the reconstruction of the windmill.  Harkin was invited to help in the project after he successfully got the windmill released from New York, where it was being held due to import levies.  Then-Congressman Harkin not only got the windmill released, but worked to see that the community received a refund for the levy.  The windmill stood on Danish soil for 127 years before it was purchased by the Elk Horn community in 1976.  (Click here for a photo of Harkin working inside the windmill and here talking to Iowans after its reconstruction.)

Each summer, Senator Harkin's staff visits each Iowa county to talk to Iowans about the issues impacting them and their families.  Staff will then post information on their visits on Senator Harkin's web site (http://harkin.senate.gov/)

A full list of events for this year's tour is still coming together, but all events will be advised to media by county. 

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19 Mar 2014

Child Care Bill is 17th Bipartisan HELP Committee Bill to Clear Senate in 113th Congress under Chairman Harkin's Leadership

By Sen. Tom Harkin
March 13, 2014

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, passed by the U.S. Senate today, is the 17th bipartisan bill in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee's jurisdiction to pass the Senate in the 113th Congress under Chairman Tom Harkin's leadership. Ten of these bills have already been signed into law. These achievements are particularly significant in a Senate that has struggled as a result of Republican obstructionism.

"The members of the HELP Committee represent a broad ideological spectrum, but time and time again this Congress, we have been able to work together on important measures to strengthen federal child care and workforce training and education programs, defend the public health, protect pensions for charities and cooperatives, and safeguard Americans from discrimination in the workplace," Harkin said.

"I am encouraged by the Committee's growing record of bipartisan accomplishments. The work of the HELP Committee, including the passage of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act today, shows that with negotiation and compromise, it is possible for Congress to enact meaningful legislation for the benefit of all Americans and the betterment of our nation. I thank Ranking Member Alexander and all of the members of the Committee who helped make these accomplishments possible," Harkin added.

A list of the 17 HELP Committee bipartisan bills passed by the Senate in the 113th Congress follows:

Signed into law

 

1.      H.R. 307, Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013 (PAHPA) (Senators Burr, Harkin, Alexander, and Casey)

    • Strengthens our nation's preparedness for and ability to respond to medical and public health emergencies, optimizes state and local all-hazards preparedness and response efforts and collaboration, enhances medical countermeasure activities, and reauthorizes key medical and public health programs, including the BioShield Special Reserve Fund
    • S.242 in the Senate; approved by the HELP Committee in February 2013; signed into law in March 2013.

 

  1. S. 622, Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013 (ADUFA/AGDUFA) (Senators Harkin and Alexander) 
    • Allows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collect user fees from sponsors of animal drug and animal generic drug applications, and the agency uses those fees to help fund the review of animal drug applications.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in March 2013; signed into law in June 2013.
  1. H.R. 1911, Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013 (Senators Alexander, Blunt, Burr, Carper, Coburn, Durbin, Enzi, Harkin, Heller, Hoeven, Isakson, King and McCaskill)
    • Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish interest rates for new loans made on or after July 1, 2013.
    • Signed into law in August 2013.

 

  1. H.R. 2094, School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (Senators Durbin, Kirk, and Harkin) 
    • Addresses the rise in diagnoses of food allergies in children by encouraging schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine injectors and to allow trained school personnel to administer an epinephrine injection if a student is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction.
    • S.1503 in the Senate; approved by the HELP Committee in October 2013; signed into law in November 2013.

 

  1. S. 330, HIV Organ Policy Equity Act (HOPE Act) (Senators Boxer, Coburn, Baldwin, Paul, and Harkin) 
    • Amends the Public Health Service Act to end the federal ban on research into organ donations from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in March 2013; signed into law in November 2013.

6.      H.R. 2747, Streamlining Claims Processing for Federal Contractor Employees Act (Senator Harkin)

o   Moves responsibility for wage claims adjustments for federally contracted workers from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to the Department of Labor.

o   Approved by the HELP Committee in October 2013; signed into law in November 2013.

  1. S. 252, Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers Who Deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act (Senators Alexander, Bennet, and Harkin)
    • Authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration to conduct research and education activities relating to preterm labor and delivery and infant mortality.
    • Included modified versions of S. 1561, CHIMP Act Amendments and S. 424, National Pediatric Research Network Act
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in February 2013; signed into law in November 2013.
  1. S. 1561, CHIMP Act Amendments of 2013 (Senators Harkin, Alexander, Burr, Landrieu, and Collins) 
    • Ensures that chimpanzees owned or supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that are no longer used for medical research can continue to receive the care they need in quality settings. The new law will provide flexibility for the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to use already-appropriated funds to pay for care of chimpanzees housed in federal sanctuaries if doing so would be more efficient and economical for the NIH.
    • Attached to S. 252 in the House.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in October 2013; signed into law in November 2013.
  1. S. 424, National Pediatric Research Network Act of 2013 (Senators Brown, Wicker, Blumenthal, Collins, Portman, Whitehouse) 
    • Amends title IV of the Public Health Service Act to provide for a National Pediatric Research Network, including with respect to pediatric rare diseases or conditions.
    • As attached to S. 252 in the House; signed into law in November 2013.
  1. H.R. 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act (Senators Harkin, Alexander, Franken, Roberts, Bennet, and Burr) 
    • Clarifies current federal law regarding pharmacy compounding and resolves the patchwork of current federal regulation by applying a uniform standard nationwide. Under Title I of the Drug Quality and Security Act, compounders who wish to practice outside the bounds of traditional pharmacy practice can register as outsourcing facilities, but those who choose to remain traditional pharmacies will continue to be regulated primarily by state boards of pharmacy, as they are in current law. Outsourcing facilities would be subject to oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in much the same way as traditional manufacturers are monitored. FDA will know who these outsourcers are and what they are making, receive adverse event reports about compounded drugs, and have the authority and resources to conduct risk-based inspections.
    • The second title of the Drug Quality and Security Act would replace today's patchwork of state prescription-drug tracing laws by creating a new uniform framework for tracking drugs from the manufacturer to the pharmacy.
    • Compounding and track-and-trace bills were approved by the HELP Committee in May 2013. The Drug Quality and Security Act, encompassing both bills, was signed into law in November 2013.

Passed (or attached to legislation) in the Senate

 

  1. S.1086, The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014 (Senators Mikulski, Burr, Harkin, and Alexander)
    • Expands access to and improves the quality of child care for the more than 1.5 million children and families that benefit from the federal child care subsidy program.  This program helps low- and moderate-income parents access and afford child care while they work or attend school.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in September 2013; approved by the Senate in March 2014.

12.  S. 815, Employment Non-Discrimination Act (Senators Merkley, Harkin, Kirk, Collins, and Baldwin)

    • Prohibits employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminating against those employed or seeking employment, on the basis of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity.
    • Chairman Harkin oversaw the first Senate markup of this legislation since 2002, and it cleared the Committee on a strong bipartisan vote in July 2013.  He went on to lead the bill to historic bipartisan Senate passage?including 10 Republican votes?just 4 months later.

The bill is pending consideration in the U.S. House.

  1. S. 1557, Children's Hospital GME Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Senators Casey, Isakson, Whitehouse, Harkin, and Alexander)
    • Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize support for graduate medical education programs in children's hospitals.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in October 2013, passed the Senate in November 2013.

 

  1. S. 689, Mental Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2013 (Senators Harkin, Alexander, Sanders,  Franken, and Roberts) 
    • Reauthorizes and improves programs administered by both the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services related to awareness, prevention, and early identification of mental health conditions.
    • S.689 passed the HELP Committee in April 2013 and identical text was passed 95-2 as an amendment (S.AMDT.730) to S.649, the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act, in the same month.

15.  S.1417, Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Senators Hagan, Hatch, and Harkin)

    • Amends the Public Health Service Act to extend and improve programs at the Department of Health and Human Services related to newborn screening, and reauthorizes the Federal Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in December 2013; pending Senate consideration.

16.  S.1719, the Poison Center Network Act (Senators Murray, Burr, and Harkin)

o   Amends the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the poison center national toll-free number, national media campaign, and grant program.

o   Approved by the HELP Committee in December 2013; pending Senate consideration.

17.  S. 1302, Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act (Senators Harkin and Roberts)

    • Addresses the challenges faced by many cooperative associations and charities in providing pension benefits to their workers by ensuring that their pension funding rules both protect workers' benefits and ensure the organizations are able to provide vital services to local communities.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in October 2013; pending Senate consideration.

In addition, two more bipartisan bills have been reported out of the HELP Committee and are awaiting consideration by the full Senate:

 

    • Since 1965, the OAA has been a critical vehicle for the delivery of nutrition and social services for seniors. The bill includes improved protections for vulnerable elders and expanded support for family caregivers. The bill also promotes the delivery of evidence-based services.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee in October 2013; pending Senate consideration.
  • S.1356, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) (Senators Murray, Isakson, Harkin, and Alexander)  
    • Contains significant improvements to existing job training programs and local workforce systems originally authorized under WIA in 1998.  Harkin worked closely with Ranking Member Alexander on Title V of WIA, which reauthorizes the Rehabilitation Act, including vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. The updates to Title V are aimed at making sure that young people with disabilities have increased preparation and opportunities for competitive, integrated employment.
    • Approved by the HELP Committee by vote of 18-3 in July 2013; pending Senate consideration.

For more information, please contact Kate Cyrul Frischmann ( Kate_Frischmann@harkin.) or Allison Preiss ( Allison_Preiss@help.senate.).

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11 Mar 2014

Harkin Meets with Quad Cities Community Leaders

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) recently met with representatives from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. Capitol. Harkin and local leaders discussed a wide variety of issues, including the Rock Island Arsenal and efforts to expand the local manufacturing industry. The group also discussed progress for several infrastructure projects in the community, as well as the growing popularity of the Quad City health centers.

Each year, Harkin meets with leaders from throughout Iowa to discuss topics ranging from health care to transportation to appropriations funding. This actuality is available on the web at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sdmc-media.senate.gov/Harkin/030714_HARKIN_1_RADIO.mp3

A fact sheet highlighting Senator Harkin's work with community leaders from the Quad Cities can be found here.

A photo from the meeting can be found here.

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05 Mar 2014

Harkin Office Now Accepting Applications for U.S. Military Academies

By Sen. Tom Harkin

DES MOINES - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that his office is accepting applications for the United States' military academies for the class beginning summer of 2015.  Senator Harkin will nominate up to ten Iowans for every opening he has at each academy, with final selection for admission made by the individual academy.

"Each year I look forward to recommending many outstanding young Iowans to the service academies. It is a genuine honor," Harkin said.

Our nation's military academies offer Iowans educational opportunities for young people interested in military service. Students can specialize in a variety of fields at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

Harkin enjoyed a successful military career. He joined the Navy and served as a jet pilot after graduating from Iowa State University in 1962.

Senator Harkin uses a competitive method to screen applicants, including the evaluation of ACT or SAT scores, high school grade point average, leadership abilities, and physical aptitude.  Harkin has also appointed an academy selection committee that conducts personal interviews with academy finalists.

Interested individuals should complete Senator Harkin's Service Academy Nomination application which can be found on his website at www.harkin.senate.gov/students/academy.cfm. Any additional questions should be directed to his Academy Nomination Coordinator, Tom Larkin, at 319-365-4504.

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04 Mar 2014

New Des Moines Register Poll Shows Nearly Two-Thirds of Iowans Support Raising the Minimum Wage

By Sen. Tom Harkin

Reflecting National Trends, Vast Majority of Iowans Say They Support a Higher Minimum Wage:

Nearly two-thirds of Iowans support raising the minimum wage from its current level of $7.25, according to a new Des Moines Register poll released yesterday.  Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is the Senate author of legislation that would increase the minimum wage over three steps to $10.10, then provide for automatic, annual increases linked to changes in the cost of living.  The bill, which is sponsored by Congressman George Miller (D-CA) in the U.S. House, would also gradually raise the minimum wage for tipped workers, which currently stands at just $2.13 an hour.  A similar bill is also under consideration by the Iowa Legislature.

"From now on, we want to change what's happening in America with low-wage workers.  No longer, in the future, will you work full-time...and still fall below the poverty line," said Harkin, who appeared on C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" program yesterday to discuss why raising the minimum wage is the right thing to do for millions of working families and the American economy.  "Studies show it's a pro-growth policy, that it will increase the gross domestic product.  We know that low-wage workers tend to spend every extra dollar they get, and they spend it locally and at local merchants. It has a great multiplier effect in our economy."  Watch Harkin's appearance on Newsmakers here.

The Des Moines Register poll showed broad support among Iowans for raising the minimum wage, with 89 percent of registered Democrats?along with 67 percent of registered independents?supportive of efforts to raise the current federal minimum wage of $7.25. Registered Republicans in Iowa are almost evenly split on the issue.  The Des Moines Register's poll is reflective of national polls showing strong backing for raising the minimum wage, with the paper citing a Gallup Poll showing 76 percent of American adults favored raising the minimum wage, and a Quinnipiac poll in January finding that 72 percent of Americans wanted a higher rate.

Working Iowa Families Unable to Make Ends Meet on Current Minimum Wage; Raising the Minimum Wage Would Benefit 300,000 Iowans:

The Register also reported on a recent study from the Iowa Policy Project showing that the current federal minimum wage of $7.25, which is also the minimum wage in Iowa, leaves working families in Iowa unable to cover "rock bottom" costs. Several key costs of living?including average food, housing costs, transportation, clothing, and household expenses in Iowa?have increased in recent years, while the minimum wage has remained stagnant for nearly five years.  An estimate from Progress Iowa shows that approximately 300,000 Iowans would benefit from Senator Harkin's bill to raise the minimum wage to $10.10.

Fast Facts on the Minimum Wage:

The minimum wage today is at a historic low, and  has lost 32 percent of its buying power since its peak in 1968.  If the minimum wage had kept up with inflation since 1968, it would be worth roughly $10.71 per hour today.?

According to recent research conducted by the Economic Policy Institute, 28 million American workers would get a raise under the bill.  More than half of these are women, and 15 million women would get a raise.  The vast majority (88 percent) are adult workers, not teenagers.  Over 14 million children?19 percent of American children?have a parent who will get a raise.

The minimum wage today pays only $15,000 per year, which is more than $3,500 below the poverty level for a family of three.  The Harkin-Miller proposal will boost the yearly minimum wage salary to $21,000, lifting families above the poverty line.

Increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour will give $35 billion in raises to millions of workers over the course of three increases, and increase GDP by nearly $22 billion as workers spend their raises in their local businesses and communities.  This economic activity will generate 85,000 new jobs over the same timeframe.

In 2014, 21 states and the District of Columbia will have state minimum wages above the federal level.  Ten states already have indexing in place to ensure that minimum wage workers do not fall behind, and an eleventh will start in 2015.  Thirty-two states have already acted to increase their minimum wage for tipped workers above $2.13 an hour.

For more information on the Fair Minimum Wage Act, please contact Kate Cyrul Frischmann (Kate_Frischmann@harkin.senate.gov) or Allison Preiss (Allison_Preiss@help.senate.gov.)
31 Jan 2014

Harkin Announces Iowa Weekend Events

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced several events in Iowa this weekend.  A full list of his public events follows.

 

Friday, January 31st - Davenport

1:30 P.M.  Tour of the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter

1016 W. 5th Street

Davenport

Senator Harkin will tour the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter to learn about the services and support the shelter provides, and to gain further insight on the housing community in Davenport. In addition to emergency shelter, the Humility of Mary Homeless Shelter provides transitional and permanent supportive housing programs that help men and women experiencing homelessness to become more physically and mentally stable.

 

Saturday, February 1st - Dubuque

2:30 P.M.  Tour the University of Dubuque Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center

University of Dubuque

2000 University Ave.

Dubuque

Senator Harkin will join Jeffrey Bullock, President of the University of Dubuque, for a tour of the Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center. The Wellness Center opened on campus in 2008 and includes a two-level fitness center, indoor track, and four multi-use courts for indoor sports. In his role as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS subcommittee), Harkin secured $476,000 for construction of the Wellness Center in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill.

 

Saturday, February 1st -Dubuque

4:30 P.M. Tour the New Dubuque Regional Airport Terminal

Dubuque Regional Airport

Hwy 61

Dubuque

Senator Harkin will tour the new terminal of the Dubuque Regional Airport. The terminal is expected to be completed this summer and will improve the energy efficiency of the airport with the use of Geothermal technology and other energy efficient operations. Harkin has long supported the renovation to the Dubuque Regional Airport and worked to secure $9,141,000 for the new terminal.

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13 Dec 2013

Harkin Announces Academy Nominations for 53 Iowa Students

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 53 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2014 class.

"An academy nomination is a great honor.  Not only is there intense competition across the State of Iowa, but in order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic, and athletic abilities," Harkin said.  "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character.  I am pleased to nominate these students and would like to congratulate them for their many outstanding achievements."

In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer.  Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured.  Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy.  From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.

After March 1, 2014, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2015, should go to http://www.harkin.senate.gov and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319)365-4504.

A list of this year's nominees is below.

Ankeny

Caroline Schmell has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Caroline is the daughter of Cindy Schmell and Gerald Schmell and is a senior at Ankeny High School.

Bettendorf

Cole Bunn has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Cole is the son of Lisa and James Bunn and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Bettendorf

Micaela Finney has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Micaela is the daughter of Sherril and Charles Finney and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Bettendorf

Kyle Hollenback has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Kyle is the son of Jennifer and Craig Hollenback and is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School.

Blue Grass

Alex Reed has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Alex is the son of Cindy and Jeff Reed and is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Bondurant

Clayton Beck has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Clayton is the son of Susan and Blair Beck and is a senior at Bondurant-Farrar High School.

Boone

Jennifer Behn has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Jennifer is the daughter of Dennise and Herry Behn and is a senior at Boone High School.

Brooklyn

Rhett Nowotny has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Rhett is the son of Danielle and Rob Nowotny and is a senior at HLV Community High School.

Carroll

Seth Horesley has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Seth is the son of Kristina and Duane Horsley and is a senior at Carroll High School.

Cedar Falls

Jacob Pence has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Jacob is the son of Amy and Jason Pence and is a senior at Cedar Falls High School.

Cedar Rapids

Nicholas Swartz has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Nicholas is the son of Julie and Tim Swartz and is a senior at John F. Kennedy High School.

Clive

Benjamin Halley has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Benjamin is the son of Alyson and Brett  Halley and is a senior at Waukee High School.

Clive

Connor McCann has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Connor is the son of Jana and Troy McCann and is a senior at Valley High School.

Clive

Henry Oberman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Henry is the son of Karen and Tony Oberman and is a senior at Waukee High School.

Clive

Devinder Sandhu has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Devinder is the daughter of Daljit and Pardip Sandhu and is a 2010 graduate of Valley High School. She is currently serving with the Iowa Air National Guard.

Clive

Zachary Zimmerman has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Zachary is the son of Stephanie Bratton and Douglas Zimmerman and is a senior at Valley High School.

Coralville

Hannah Fairfield has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Hannah is the daughter of Catherine and Clare Fairfield and is a senior at West High School.

Coralville

Ryan Holte has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Ryan is the son of Julie and Jim Holte and is a senior at Iowa City West High School.

Coralville

Connor Schueler has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Connor is the son of Kerry and Darrel Schueler and is a senior at Iowa City West High School.

Council Bluffs

Gustave Doll has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Gustave is the son of Elizabeth and Scott and is a senior at St Albert High School.

Davenport

Walter DeDoncker has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Walter is the son of Jody and John DeDoncker and is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School.

Davenport

Roy Schindler has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Roy is the son of Shana and Kurt Schindler and is a senior at Davenport Central High School.

Des Moines

Nick Biancalana has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Nick is the son of Brenda and Tony Biancalana and is a senior at Roosevelt High School.

Des Moines

Harrison Farrell has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Harrison is the son of Janet and Richard Farrell and is 2013 graduate of Dowling Catholic High School.  He is currently attending the U.S. Military Academy Prep School in West Point, New York.

Des Moines

Jessica Thomerson has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Jessica is the daughter of Katy McKee Richmond and Joseph Thomerson and is a senior at Dowling High School.

Dubuque

Kaizer Gukeisen has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Kaizer is the son of Kathy and Michael Gukeisen and is a senior at Dubuque Senior High School.

Fort Madison

Nick Krone has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Nick is the son of Carolyn Krone and is a senior at Holy Trinity Catholic High School.

Griswold

Jose Olivo has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Jose is the son of Lisa Petry and Jose Olivo and is a 2013 graduate of Griswold High School.  He is currently attending the U.S. Military Academy Prep School in West Point, New York.

Harlan

Luke Schmitz has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Luke is the son of Kristine Schmitz and Alan Schmitz and is a 2013 graduate of Harlan High School.  He is currently attending Morningside College in Sioux City.

Ida Grove

Jacob Matthies has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Jacob is the son of Becky and Dan Matthies and is a senior at OA-BCIG High School.

Iowa City

Neil Harte has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Neil is the son of Lyudmila and Willis Harte and is a senior at City High School.

Marion

John Gorman has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. John is the son of Cathy and Joseph Gorman and is a senior at Marion High School.

Mason City

Lauren Casey has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Lauren is the daughter of Shelly and Edward Casey and is a senior at Mason City High School.

Mitchellville

Cameron Lawler has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Cameron is the son of Donna and LaBrent Lawler and is a senior at Southeast Polk High School.

Monticello

Nicholas Meyers has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Nicholas is the son of Debra and David Meyers and is a senior at Monticello High School.

Norwalk

Ethan Pieper has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Ethan is the son of Alayne and Melvin Pieper and is a senior at Norwalk High School.

Otley

Joshua Bailey has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Joshua is the son of Stephanie and Scott Bailey and is a senior at Heritage Christian Academy.

Parnell

Maeve Broeg has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Maeve is the daughter of Lenni and Kirtis Broeg and is a senior at Williamsburg High School.

Reinbeck

Peter Meyers has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Peter is the son of Laura and Joel Meyers and is a senior at Gladbrook Reinbeck High School.

Sibley

Matthew Vander Ploeg has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Matthew is the son of Dorothy and Verle and is a senior at Sibley-Ocheyedan Community High School.

Sioux City

Drew Piersma has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Drew is the daughter of Teresa and Scott Piersma and is a senior at North High School.

Sioux Rapids

Katie Gibson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Katie is the daughter of Carolyn Gibson and is a senior at Sioux Central High School.

Solon

Erin Evans has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Erin is the daughter of Lisa and Donald Evans and is a 2013 graduate of Solon High School.  She is currently attending Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

Solon

Lance Evans has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Lance is the son of Lisa and Don Evans and is a senior at Solon High School.

Solon

Austin Hunt has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Austin is the son of Sandra Schebler and Jeff Hunt and is a senior at Solon High School.

Solon

Matthew Quinn has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Matthew is the son of Geralyn and Mark Quinn and is a senior at Solon High School.

Springville

Shannon Gorman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Shannon is the daughter of Mitsue and Joseph Gorman and is a senior at Cedar Rapids George Washington High School.

State Center

Phillip Ramierz has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Phillip is the son of Lisa and Esteban Ramirez and is a senior at Vilseck High School in Vilseck, Germany.

Story City

Thomas Wilgenbusch has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Thomas is the son of Erin and Michael Wilgenbusch and is a senior at Roland-Story High School.

Urbandale

Dalton Doom has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Dalton is the son of Tamara and Bruce Doom and is a senior at Waukee Community High School.

Waukee

Anamaria Angel has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Anamaria is the son of Jean Angle and Jose Angle and is a senior at Van Meter CSD High School.

West Burlington

Conner Tillo has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Conner is the son of Leigh Ann and Ted Tillo and is a senior at West Burlington High School.

West Des Moines

Emily Junker has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy. Emily is the daughter of Chris Junker and Vince Junker and is a senior at Van Meter High School.

###
02 Dec 2013

The Framers Never Envisioned a 60 Vote Supermajority

By Sen. Tom Harkin

December 2, 2013

In an opinion piece posted Friday, Senator Harkin responds to some of the criticisms following the Senate's vote to change the rules.  On The Huffington Post blog, Harkin says that the framers never envisioned a 60 vote supermajority.

Harkin first introduced a proposal to reform the rules in 1995, as a member of the minority party.  In addition to advocating for his proposal, he also supported the Merkley-Udall "talking filibuster" proposal and the concept that those who wish to obstruct should at the very least be required to come to the floor to debate.

Senator Harkin's column can be found here or below.

 

For more information, please contact Senator Harkin's Press Office at (202) 224-3254.

The Framers Never Envisioned a 60 Vote Supermajority

In the wake of Senate action last week to restore the Senate practice that nominees receive an up or down vote, there has been a great deal of hyperventilating about whether the rules change is consistent with the intent of the Founders and what it means for the future of the Senate.

Some have called it "tyranny."  Others, a "naked power grab."  In reality, the action taken by the Senate last week is consistent with both the Constitution and the Senate rules and two centuries of Senate tradition, and is fully aligned with the intent of the Founders as well.

Both Alexander Hamilton and James Madison indicated in the Federalist Papers a clear belief in majority rule, with Hamilton stating that "the fundamental maxim of republican government . . . requires that the sense of the majority should prevail."  Nonetheless, the Founders left the matter of House and Senate procedure undetermined in the Constitution, choosing instead to let Congress determine its own rules.  Article I, section 5 of the Constitution, the Rules and Proceedings Clause, states that each House may determine the rules of its proceedings."

That is exactly what the Senate did. In fact, the original Senate rules placed no time limit on debate, but also allowed any Senator to make a motion "for the previous question," which permitted a simple majority to halt debate on the pending question and bring the matter to an immediate vote.  This motion for the previous question was eliminated in 1806 at the suggestion of Vice President Aaron Burr, largely because it was deemed superfluous.

Even with the elimination of the motion to end debate, filibusters were hardly a defining part of the Senate.  Across the entire 19th century, there were only 23 filibusters.  And from 1917, when the Senate first adopted rules to end a filibuster, until 1969, there were fewer than 50, less than one per year.

Eliminating the filibuster on some nominations will not change the basic nature of the Senate as a legislative body.  In fact, it is largely a restorative move, returning the Senate to its historical norms, when Senate giants like Henry Clay and Daniel Webster carried the day through the force of their ideas, rather than by manipulating rarely used Senate rules that allowed a small minority to block the will of the people.

Nor will this latest reform turn the Senate into the House of Representatives, as some have charged.  The Senate will continue to differ from the House in significant ways.  Senators will continue to be elected very six years, rather than every two years as in the House of Representatives.  Senators from the smallest states will continue to have the same power in the Senate as Senators from the largest states.  And the Senate will continue to operate in most instances based on unanimous consent, unlike the House.  In addition, the reforms enacted by the Senate pertain only to nominations, which are themselves solely the province of the Senate.

That is not to say that I would not support changing the filibuster with respect to legislation as well.  If the Senate were to take that step, however, it would be critical that the changes preserve the rights of the minority to offer relevant amendments and to have extended debate.  That the minority should be afforded certain rights within the Senate is without question.  But the minority should not have the ability to block legislation.  When this happens it creates a situation, says James Madison in the Federalist Papers, in which, "the fundamental principle of free government would be reversed.  It would no longer be the majority that would rule: the power would be transferred to the minority."

The fact is that the filibuster is not, and never has been, the sacrosanct soul of the Senate that some are now making it out to be.  The framers never envisioned that a supermajority of 60 votes would be required to enact virtually any piece of legislation or to confirm nominees.  Indeed, the Constitution was very clear about where a supermajority was needed.  There were only five instances in the original Constitution: ratification of a treaty, override of a veto, votes of impeachment, passage of the Constitutional amendment, and expulsion of a member.

Moreover, reform of the filibuster stands squarely within a tradition of updating the Senate rules as needed to foster an effective government that can respond to the challenges of the day.  The Senate has adopted rules to reform the filibuster in numerous circumstances, such as war powers and the budget.  And prior to action last week, since 1917, the Senate had passed four significant reforms concerning the filibuster.

An oft -repeated Republican talking point over the past week is that Senate Democrats were "breaking the rules to change the rules."  This may be a catchy talking point, but that doesn't make it true.  As I already indicated, the original Senate rules actually included a means to end debate by a simple majority.  And the Constitution itself specifies that "each House may determine the rules of its proceedings."  As Senator Robert Byrd, probably the greatest authority on Senate rules in American history, and himself a staunch opponent of filibuster reform said, "At any time that 51 Senators are determined to change the rule . . . that rule can be changed." That is precisely what the Senate did last week.

Finally, some have argued that the rules change carried out last week by the Senate was enacted simply so that Democrats can carry out their agenda.  While this may be true in the short-term, those with a longer view of history know that, eventually, Republicans will come to power, and they too will then have the ability to carry out their own agenda.  This is not only obvious, but appropriate.  Democratic elections should have consequences.  When the American people speak, whether they express a preference for Democrats or Republicans, those who win a majority at the ballot box should have the ability to carry out their agenda, and then be held accountable to the public.  This is as true today as it was nearly 20 years ago when, as a member of the Senate minority, I first introduced a proposal to reform the filibuster.

The fact is that reform of the filibuster is not a Democratic or a Republican issue.  Rather, at the heart of the debate is a single, simple question -- do we believe in democracy?  Do we believe that issues of public policy should be decided at the ballot box or by the manipulation of arcane and archaic Senate rules?  Those who oppose any change to the filibuster rule, those who oppose the principle of majority rule, in reality are fearful that the people's choices and wishes will be translated into action here in Washington.

The Senate rules reform carried out last week was not about a power grab or about the agenda of Senate Democrats.  Rather, it was a vote of confidence in democracy and the good sense of the American people.  Our union has endured for more than two centuries because the American people have had the good sense to elect to Congress those whom they deem most capable of carrying out their wishes, and to remove those who fall short.  The American people do not fear democracy, and neither should their elected representatives in Congress.

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