As we approach the end of the year, we are also closing out the 113th Congress. While this Congress as a whole has left many things to complete, 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.
Growing Iowa's Economy
SECTORS Act
Large portions of my SECTORS Act were passed as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The SECTORS Act will ensure workers have the training they need to secure good jobs and employers have access to a workforce with the skills that are needed for them to expand, boost our economy, and out-perform the global competition.
Water Resources Reform and Development Act
The Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) authorizes Corps of Engineers funding for improvements to ports, waterways and projects tied to flood protection, drinking water, dams and levees and environmental restoration. This bill also contained my legislation to protect Cedar Rapids from future flooding.
Strengthening Rock Island Arsenal
I have continued my efforts to drive more workload to the Rock Island Arsenal, which will help both the Arsenal and the Quad Cities' economy remain strong.
Cleaning Up Congress
There is no doubt that the American people have lost faith in Congress. That is why I have fought to hold Congress accountable for its actions by fighting for legislation to cut Member's pay for the first time since the Great Depression and permanently ban all Member's from becoming lobbyists.
Fighting for Rural Iowa
Farm Bill
The long-term farm bill that passed Congress this year is essential for farmers and rural communities to be able to invest and plan for the future. The new farm bill makes important reforms, gives our farmers strong risk management tools, strengthens our rural communities, and creates job well beyond the farm.
Renewable Fuels Standard
We all know the importance of biofuels to Iowa's economy, which is why I have been leading the fight in Congress against the EPA to reverse its announced Renewable Fuels Standard proposal. The proposal that the EPA announced last fall is flat-out unacceptable and would have dire consequences to Iowa's economy.
Production Tax Credit
The PTC has helped the still growing wind energy industry employ 80,000 Americans, including thousands of Iowans. Living in Iowa, I understand how important renewable energy is to our state, to our country's future, and to our economy.
On January 6th, when the new Congress is sworn in, I will have the honor of serving on the Energy and Commerce Committee. This new position will allow me to have a greater say on issues that are important to Iowans, including job creation, growing the economy, making sound investments in renewable energy such as wind, solar and biofuels and growing the Middle Class. I have been honored to serve as your voice and look forward to continuing that in the New Year.
Congressman Dave Loebsack
