Dear Friend,
As we approach the end of the year, we are also closing out the 114th Congress. While there is a mountain of work that must still be addressed, I have been busy working across the aisle to overcome the Washington gridlock and advance legislation to benefit the people of Iowa. A summary of some of those achievements are below.
· Rural Health Care Connectivity Act
Too often, we see rural America left behind when it comes to telecommunications, and that is why I introduced legislation that allows skilled nursing facilities, such as nursing homes, to receive funds through the Universal Service Fund’s Rural Healthcare Program. This is a $400 million program that provides discounts for telecommunications services so that rural healthcare providers pay comparable rates to their urban counterparts, and helps expand healthcare provider access to broadband services. This legislation was signed into law as part of the TSCA Modernization Act.
· Army Arsenal Revitalization Act
Throughout my continued efforts to strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal I was proud to help create and pass into law the Army Arsenal Revitalization Act, which helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the Rock Island Arsenal.
After the horrific suicide of Sgt. Brandon Ketchum, I continued to fight to ensure that no veteran in crisis is ever turned away from the VA Medical Center. Under my Never Again Act, if a veteran asks for mental health care from the VA, they will get it. This bipartisan legislation currently has 75 cosponsors.
· Fighting for a Robust Renewable Fuels Standard
(RFS)
As the co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, I helped lead the fight for a strong RFS that matched Congressional intent and have worked to highlight RFS’s importance to Iowa.
· Small Business Broadband Deployment Act
My Small Business Broadband Deployment Act will enhance broadband deployment in unserved and underserved areas by reducing burdensome reporting requirements for small Internet Service Providers. This bipartisan legislation passed unanimously, 411-0, in the House of Representatives.
· Secured a CASA for Eastern Iowa
Through my work with the Army, I was able to secure a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Eastern Iowa.
This past Congress, I had the honor to serve as your voice in Washington and on January 3rd, when the new Congress is sworn in, I look forward to continuing to serve you and all Iowans in the 115th Congress.
Sincerely,
Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District
