Archived Blog Entries

September 1, 2008

Valuing Work, Honoring Workers

Whether you are a teacher, a farmer, a health care worker, a construction worker, a state or federal employee – whatever your profession – you are privileged to enjoy the dignity and honor of hard work, and the satisfaction of contributing to your community and country. But, this Labor Day, with rising energy prices and a shaky economy, working people are anxious about their jobs, their pensions, and their health care.

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August 20, 2008

Healthcare Roundtable

I was very fortunate to be able to sit down today with lawmakers and community stakeholders at Des Moines University to discuss the recently passed Iowa health reform bill and what needs to be done on the federal level to fix our broken health care system. I believe that real health care reform is long overdue. Thousands of Iowans go without basic health care, Iowa businesses are struggling to offer health coverage to their employees and hospitals are having difficulty keeping their doors open.  Two of the things I continue to focus on in the Senate are prevention and wellness initiatives. By shifting our health care dollars toward preventing chronic diseases and keeping people well, we can significantly lower our nation’s health care costs and get better outcomes for every American. Our nation’s health care crisis demands a comprehensive approach - and real reform is never easy. But I think that today’s forum was a good example of how government at all levels can partner with health care professionals and others to create positive change.

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August 18, 2008

Field Hearing in Omaha

I traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to conduct a field hearing of the Senate Agriculture Committee with Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), a member of the Committee. The hearing, Food, Feed, and Fuel Production: Today and Tomorrow, gave the Committee an opportunity to explore recent economic shifts - including rising energy prices, rising commodity prices and related changes in acres planted, and the increasing production of biofuels, which have led some to question whether we are on the right path.

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August 17, 2008

Iowa State Fair

On Sunday evening I met some friends at the taping of a Prairie Home Companion at the Iowa State Fair. Fellow Midwesterner Garrison Keillor brought his Rhubarb Tour into town with a show that was full of music, jokes and funny stories. Ruth and I listen to the show on NPR every Saturday so it was really fun to see how they put it together on stage. One of the highlights was watching the sound effects master Fred Newman try to keep up with Garrison’s crazy stories. The weather was terrific for August in Iowa and it was great to be there for the last hours of the 2008 state fair.

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August 15, 2008

Audubon County Cafe Stop

I visited the Uptown Cafe in Audubon on Friday and was greeted by the owner Pat Jensen. I spent my time there chatting with several long-time friends, including Robert Nelson, about all of the people I remember from the area and what they are doing now. Larry Greufe from the Audubon County News was there to listen in and I was also able to talk about some potential casework with a woman, who came to ask for help with some difficulties she is facing.

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August 14, 2008

Osage, New Hampton, Mason City

My day began at one of the most innovative and green businesses we have in Iowa. The Fox River Mills company takes packaging, boxes, magazines, plastic film and yarn cones and turns them in to socks. From start to finish, the socks are made in Osage. When I first arrived I chatted with John and Becky Lessard, who own and run the company, as well as my good friend, Wes Birdsall. They had some concerns about issues that have an impact on their business such as high oil prices, NAFTA and immigration. We had a good conversation and I was glad to share my thoughts with them.

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August 13, 2008

Iowa State Fair

This morning I made my annual trek to the world famous Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Every August I look forward to walking around the fair grounds, meeting new people and even bumping into some old friends— you never know who you are going to run into while walking around. As an added bonus, I couldn’t have asked for better weather today.

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August 11, 2008

Palo

This afternoon I toured the Linn County town of Palo. I met with City Council members Paula Gunter and Jeannie Blumer, along with Penny Glavin and Tom Watson.

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August 11, 2008

Vinton

I gave the keynote address at the induction ceremony for Iowa ’s new National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) facility in Vinton today. I worked hard to have the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School designated as the site for Iowa’s only AmeriCorps NCCC facility after learning about how perfect of a fit the campus would be from my wife Ruth. Ruth serves on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the school. The campus is close to numerous highways, and it ’s residential and recreational facilities were the perfect match for the NCCC’s needs. I secured $2.5 million to transform portions of the Braille and Sight Saving School into the NCCC campus, so it was great to see the results!

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August 9, 2008

Corydon, Chariton and Osceola

After meeting with local leaders in Appanoose County, I made my way to Ludlow’s Steakhouse and Lounge in Corydon. It was good to see Ron Redmon and Maureta Perryman, who own and operate Ludlows. I remember visiting there during my August tour in 2006. I spoke with Bill Yeager, the Wayne County Emergency Management Coordinator regarding the various disaster damages that the county is dealing with. He said that FEMA has been very helpful to them thus far. I also met Dan and Susan White. Dan and I chatted about conditions in Wayne County, as well as our time in the military, he told me that before he retired, he served 27 1/2 years.

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August 8, 2008

Pocahontas and Humboldt

As I continued through Northwest Iowa, I had the opportunity to tour MidAmerican Wind Farm in Pocahontas. This program helps place wind turbines on individual farms across four areas in Iowa. Currently they have 136 wind turbines installed and have plans to install an additional 35 more before winter. I met Brian Wells and his family, who are going to have four wind turbines installed on their farm as part of an effort to switch to renewable energy sources. Special thanks to Matt Bartlett of the MidAmerican Pomeroy Wind Farm project for giving me a detailed briefing on how these wind farms are helping move Iowa forward. I was happy to meet the team of maintenance professionals from Enxco who joined us at the briefing. I also want to mention how lucky Pocahontas County is to have a team of County Supervisors who had the vision to encourage these wind farms be raised through MidAmerican Energy. Jack Dewolf, Paul Beneke and Ralph Christiansen all were there to show their support for a project that is great for the region’s economy and for reducing our dependence on oil. The county is also well represented in the State House by Delores Mertz who has been so supportive in making sure we are providing access and incentives to businesses like MidAmerican who want to invest in Iowa’s future.

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August 7, 2008

Spencer, Storm Lake and Primghar

On August 7, I traveled to Spencer in the morning where I visited the Family Table Restaurant. There I was able to speak with local officials on a wide range of issues. In particular we discussed what it will take it change the sewer system in Spencer, but we also discussed a whole range of issues including farming, flooding and renewable energy.

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August 6, 2008

LeMars, Sioux Center, Little Rock, Ashton

I began my day today talking with folks in LeMars at one of a Café Stops at Lally’s East Side Restaurant. I met up with my good friend Mike Mullally, who has owned Lally’s for years. I also had a chance to meet a number of Plymouth County residents. I spoke with Denice Kolker, a special education teacher at North Middle School in Sioux City. Denice expressed her hope for adequate funding for IDEA, which helps students with disabilities get the public education they have a right to. I have led the fight in Congress to ensure the federal government meets its commitment to fund 40 percent of the IDEA.

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August 5, 2008

Visiting Davenport And Dubuque

As I continued my travels in Iowa on Tuesday, I began my morning in Davenport with about 150 members of DavenportOne, the local Chamber of Commerce.  This breakfast meeting was an opportunity for me to learn more about the command and administration of the numerous military and civilian entities located at the Rock Island Arsenal.  I continue to be impressed by the high quality products manufactured there and the rapid response capabilities repeatedly demonstrated which are keeping our troops safe.  Equally, I have witnessed the invaluable service the Army Corps of Engineers continues to provide to communities and residents in Iowa devastated by the floods.  I expressed my appreciation and commitment to the future of the facility and its tenants, which play a vital role in the region’s economy and the nation’s security.

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August 4, 2008

The Start Of The Tour

Today, I began my travels in Coralville where I met with mayor Jim Fausett, City Manager Kelly Hayworth, City Council member Mitch Gross (who was once an intern in my office), and Rebecca Needs from the Chamber of Commerce, to tour places that were damaged by the floods. We began at the Old Chicago restaurant and chatted with the owner, who told us about his reconstruction efforts. We then went out back to take a look at the Crandic Railroad which served as not only a railway, but also a levee.  Unfortunately it was breached – and caused nearly 150 businesses to be flooded.  I’m hopeful that the track can be raised to provide greater protections for the businesses in downtown Coralville.

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August 2, 2008

Senator Harkin Presents Military Medals

On August 2, I was honored to present the Ames Historical Society with the late Joseph Lawlor’s military medals from both World Wars. In 2004, Joseph’s son, Conrad, a long-time friend of mine and former Des Moines District Director of the Small Business Administration, wrote to me asking for help in obtaining his father’s military medals from the Department of Defense - nearly six decades after Joseph earned them! My staff gathered the necessary information and we made an inquiry about the missing medals, and shortly after that, they were sent.

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July 31, 2008

Harkin Announces More Than $10 Billion In Federal Aid For Iowa And Other States Hit By Disasters

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee is planning to include $10.1 billion in disaster aid in the next supplemental appropriations package. A significant share would go toward Midwestern states hit by floods, including Iowa. The legislation will be acted on in September and could become law by October. Harkin is a senior member of the Committee.

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July 24, 2008

The Promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was one of the landmark civil rights laws of the 20th century -- a long-overdue emancipation proclamation for millions of Americans with disabilities. As chief sponsor of the ADA in the Senate, I take pride in the progress we have made since the bill was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

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July 22, 2008

Harkin Statement Regarding Meeting With Governor Culver

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) released the following statement after his meeting with Governor Chet Culver regarding disaster aid for Iowa:

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July 21, 2008

Harkin, Grassley Lead Iowa Delegation In Urging President Bush To Reduce State’s Share Of Public Assistance For Flood Aid

U.S. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), along with the entire Iowa delegation, today sent President Bush a letter urging him to consider a partial or complete waiver of the 25 percent cost-share the state must come up with to receive federal assistance to repair and rebuild infrastructure and utilities. Reducing the cost share will continue to help those communities most in need after the devastating floods. Reduction of the cost-share amounts for states was enacted for victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi. Iowa’s cost-share was reduced to ten percent after the flooding in 1993.

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July 16, 2008

Senator Harkin Meets with Cedar Rapids Officials, Pledges Federal Support

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today met with Cedar Rapids city leaders, including Mayor Kay Halloran, to get an update on the recovery and rebuilding process. Cedar Rapids officials outlined the federal support they will need to rebuild and Harkin reiterated his vow to securing federal resources to help in that effort.

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July 15, 2008

Senator Harkin Reacts to Bush Veto of Crucial Support for Iowa Physicians and Medicare Patients

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today made the following statement after President Bush vetoed the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act – which would reverse a 10.6 percent cut in reimbursement for physicians who serve Medicare patients, while also providing important reforms for hospitals, patients and pharmacists. The legislation was approved by veto-proof margins in Congress and both the House and the Senate are expected to override the president’s veto in the coming days.

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July 10, 2008

Harkin Announces Second Infusion of Iowa Flood Relief Coming Soon

Senator Tom Harkin announced today that the funding package designed to help Midwestern states ravaged by flooding and other severe weather will likely be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 22. The bill will include dollars to help individuals and communities recover and rebuild after historic disasters hit Iowa and other states last month.

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June 30, 2008

Harkin Announces Full $17 Million Coming To Create Jobs, Rebuild Iowa Communities

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the full $17 million in federal funds directed to the Iowa Workforce Development are now available to create temporary employment in counties that have been affected by the recent severe weather and flooding. Earlier this month, Harkin spoke with Labor Secretary Elaine Chao about an immediate release of $6 million to Iowa. Today’s announcement represents the total amount of funding that was headed Iowa’s way. Harkin is the Chairman of the Senate panel that funds labor initiatives.

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June 30, 2008

Statement by Senator Harkin on President’s Approval of Flood Relief Support

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin today made the following statement about President Bush’s approval of the Supplemental Spending Bill which, among other domestic priorities, would allocate $2.65 billion for the federal agencies tasked with providing support for the recent disasters. In an effort to ensure that affected states are getting help, Harkin, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, brought together a coalition of bipartisan Midwestern Senators to fight for funding for areas impacted by natural disasters this year. Harkin has received assurances that another Supplemental funding package may be brought up this year to include more disaster funding for Iowa and other states.

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June 27, 2008

Congress Approves Harkin’s Push For Flood Disaster Aid & American Health, Employment And Research Priorities

Senator Harkin, Chairman of Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds labor and health initiatives, successfully included major provisions to help Americans in the supplemental spending package that the Senate passed today by votes of 92 to 6. The bill will now go to the president for his approval.

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June 25, 2008

Harkin, Senators Honor Boy Scouts And Those Affected By Tragic Tornado

Senator Harkin today applauded passage late last night of a resolution he introduced with Senator Chuck Grassley and Senators Chuck Hagel and Ben Nelson of Nebraska honoring those affected by the tornado that hit the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in Little Sioux, Iowa on June 11.

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June 24, 2008

Videos Of Senator Harkin in Iowa This Weekend

Sen. Harkin tours Columbus Junction, IA

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June 23, 2008

Common Misunderstandings Could Delay or Limit Your Assistance

In the first few weeks following a disaster, residents may be misled by rumors and half-truths about how to get help and the various assistance programs that are available. When residents suffer losses they need accurate information.

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June 23, 2008

Updated - Harkin Encourages Families Affected by Disaster to Seek Food Assistance

Following action by the state of Iowa to establish a Disaster Food Assistance Program in counties hardest hit by flooding and weather, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today encouraged Iowans affected by the disaster to seek help in putting food on their tables while the flood waters recede. The Disaster Food Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior appropriator on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds USDA programs.

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June 18, 2008

Harkin Encourages Families Affected by Disaster to Seek Food Assistance

Following action by the state of Iowa to establish a Disaster Food Assistance Program in counties hardest hit by flooding and weather, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today encouraged Iowans affected by the disaster to seek help in putting food on their tables while the flood waters recede. The Disaster Food Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior appropriator on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds USDA programs.

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June 17, 2008

An Update From Senator Harkin

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June 16, 2008

Tom Talks From The Senate Floor About The Recent Flooding In Iowa

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June 15, 2008

Images from Iowa

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June 13, 2008

After Eastern Iowa Flood Damage Tour, Harkin Announces Federal Disaster Declaration For 13 Counties

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced the federal disaster declaration of 13 Iowa counties - Adam, Boone, Cerro Gordo, Crawford, Dallas, Dubuque, Floyd, Franklin, Marion, Page, Story, Tama and Union. Now that the counties have been declared, residents and businesses can begin applying for federal disaster assistance. Black Hawk, Buchanan, Butler and Delaware counties have already been given their federal disaster declarations. Harkin visited Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City today and plans on touring the damage done in Mason City, Charles City, Nashua and Waverly tomorrow.

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June 12, 2008

Senator Harkin Statement Regarding Tornado That Ripped Through Little Sioux Boy Scout Ranch

Senator Harkin today conveyed his sympathies to victims, families and friends of those affected by last night’s tornado that swept through the Little Sioux Scout Ranch near Turin, Iowa. News reports indicate that four boys - including 14-year old Aaron Eilerts from Eagle Grove, Iowa - died in the disaster and many more are injured.

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May 26, 2008

Statement From Senator Harkin After Visiting Iowa Communities Hit By Severe Weather

US Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement today after touring communities in northeast Iowa that were ravaged by tornadoes:

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May 23, 2008

The Meaning of Sacrifice

On Memorial Day, the President and other leaders give speeches in the amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. But to truly appreciate the sacrifices of Americans who have given their lives in battle, I recommend visiting a different part of the cemetery.

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May 22, 2008

Statement of Chairman Tom Harkin

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement in response to the Senate vote of 82 to 13 override the veto of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act in the Senate. Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted 316 to 108 to override the measure. Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and of the Senate-House conference committee on the new farm bill.

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May 21, 2008

President Bush Veto Would Deny Forward-Looking Farm, Food, Conservation and Energy Initiatives

Today, right now in America, farm families and rural communities are awaiting a new farm bill. Working families are struggling to put food on the table because of recession and rising food prices. Today in America farmers and ranchers lack the assistance they need to conserve resources and provide a cleaner environment. Production is increasing at such a rapid pace that our lands are eroding and the strain on the environment is increasing. And today in America energy costs are off the charts with drivers in some areas paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas and farmers around the country seeing their diesel costs increase substantially. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act - or more commonly, the farm bill - was aptly named to address each of these concerns.

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May 20, 2008

Harkin Statement on Senator Ted Kennedy

Senator Tom Harkin released the following statement after learning that Senator Ted Kennedy had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

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May 15, 2008

Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Harkin Led Farm Bill That Benefits Iowa

Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and of the Senate-House conference committee on the farm bill, today announced that with a vote of 81-15, the Senate had overwhelmingly approved the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, the farm bill conference agreement. The bill will now be sent to the White House.

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May 14, 2008

Interning in my Office

Years ago I began my political career as an intern for Iowa Representative Neal Smith in the House of Representatives. The experience provided an invaluable firsthand education into how government operates. I’m looking for bright students who share this interest in public service to apply for internships in my office.

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May 14, 2008

Video - Tom Debates the Farm Bill on the Senate Floor

Senator Harkin takes to the floor during the debate of the farm bill.

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May 2, 2008

Senate-House Conference Committee Adopts Chief Farm Bill Initiatives

Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and of the Senate-House conference committee on the new farm bill, today announced that the conference committee had agreed upon and approved all major elements of the new farm bill. Staff for the Senate and House agriculture committees and for conferees will continue to work through finalizing a few remaining issues and obtaining official budget scoring from the Congressional Budget Office. The completed legislation will have to be approved by both the Senate and House before being sent to the White House.

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May 1, 2008

Harkin Brings Farm Bill Closer To Finish Line As White House Threats Increase

In a conference call with Iowa reporters today, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the Senate-House conference committee on the farm bill, said he was pushing ahead with a new bill, despite increasing White House threats against the bill. The farm bill Harkin is sheparding through Congress makes critical investments for Iowa in conservation, renewable energy and nutrition.

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April 25, 2008

Bipartisan Farm Bill Agreement Will Lead to Strong Final Bill, Says Harkin

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the Senate-House conference committee on the farm bill, today said that the core farm bill utilizing the $10 billion above baseline has been worked out among key farm bill negotiators. Specific details and funding will still have to be worked out and are all subject to ratification by the full conference committee. Chairman Harkin intends to convene the conference committee on Monday.

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April 22, 2008

Senator Harkin, Burlington, Iowa Students Lead the Charge to Reverse Childhood Obesity

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today led a rally with Burlington’s Oak Street Middle School students Katherine Milani and Julian Swayzer, and health teacher Betsy DeBower, to reverse childhood obesity and encourage healthy lifestyles. Oak Street participates, along with 24 schools nationwide, in the Healthy Schools Program supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), which works to improve access to healthier foods, increase opportunities for physical activity and establish school wellness programs.

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April 21, 2008

The Fair Pay Act

Mr. President, tomorrow is Fair Pay Day, the day that symbolizes how far into the year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned during the previous year.

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April 9, 2008

First Farm Bill Conference Meeting

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate-House Conference Committee on the farm bill, today held the first meeting for all Senate and House farm bill conferees. Harkin’s introductory remarks as prepared for delivery are as follows:

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March 12, 2008

Senator Harkin Joins Star Athletes in Pushing Physical Activity Guidelines to Address Rising Rates of Obesity, Skyrocketing Health Care Costs

Responding to numerous recent reports that Americans are growing unhealthier and less active, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced legislation today that will set national exercise guidelines for Americans of all ages and ability levels.

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February 27, 2008

Harkin Criticizes Bush Administration For Pulling Rug Out From Under Iowa’s Law Enforcement Community, Slashing Their Support

In testimony delivered to the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) described how deep cuts to critical law enforcement funds will impact Iowa. A two-thirds cut to the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants program in last year’s funding bill – a cut which will cost Iowa $3 million – threatens the ability of Iowa’s sheriffs and police to tackle drugs, fight crime and protect our communities. Harkin told the Committee how the cuts will translate into fewer law enforcement officers and less regional cooperation, and how his home-state will need to eliminate 15 of its 21 successful drug control programs.

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February 26, 2008

Food Safety First

Earlier this month, Iowans were shocked to learn that California-based Hallmark/Westland, a slaughter and meatpacking establishment, forced "downer" cattle that could not walk into the slaughter line. These actions led to the largest beef recall in U.S. history, and it also served as a wake-up call about lax enforcement of our nation’s food safety laws and regulations.

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January 30, 2008

Harkin, Colleagues, Announce Plan To Increase Funding For Crime Prevention

U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and his Senate colleagues announced today that they seek to increase funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program to $660 million. This would increase Iowa’s estimated share of 2008 funding from $1.5 million to $6.1 million. Harkin was also joined by police officers and local sheriffs, including Marshall County Sheriff Ted Kamatchus and Iowa’s Drug Czar Gary Kendall.

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January 28, 2008

Harkin Works To Prevent Suicide Among Active Duty Soldiers

As recently released data shows growing numbers of suicide among soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq and seeing his Joshua Omvig veteran suicide prevention bill made law, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that he will introduce legislation next week to prevent suicide among active duty members of the military. Harkin's proposal, which he unveiled today at a Des Moines event honoring the Omvig family, would direct the Department of Defense (DoD) to create a comprehensive suicide prevention program including annual training for soldiers, improved instruction for field medics and post deployment assistance.

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January 25, 2008

Statement Of Sen. Harkin At The Nomination Hearing Of Edward T. Schafer

This afternoon the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry meets for a hearing on the nomination of Edward T. Schafer, former Governor of North Dakota for Secretary of Agriculture. Welcome to the Committee, Governor Schafer. I also want to recognize and welcome your wife, Nancy, and your daughter, Kari, as well as the good number of North Dakotans who are here with us this afternoon.

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January 16, 2008

Harkin Secures More Than $9 Million In LIHEAP Funds For Iowa

Senator Tom Harkin, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees heating assistance, announced today that he has secured an additional $9.3 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Iowans who rely on the program. Iowa has already received $36 million in LIHEAP funds this year. The additional funds are part of $450 million in contingency funding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released today.

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December 18, 2007

Senator Tom Harkin Ushers 2007 Farm Bill Through Senate

As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, I could not be more proud of the passage of the 2007 farm bill, The Food and Energy Security Act. We have traveled down a long road to get to this point, and our hard work has resulted in a very strong bill. This afternoon, my legislation garnered more votes than any farm bill since 1973. The final vote was an overwhelming 79-14. The bill now heads to a joint meeting with the House of Representatives to work out the differences.

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December 11, 2007

Farm Bill Continues to Move Through Senate

The Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 runs the gamut: it helps dairy farmers and sends an unprecedented level of assistance to specialty crop producers; boosts rural area jobs through rural development; invests in conservation to increase water quality and wildlife habitat; puts more food on the table for low-income families and improves the diets of our school kids; and invests in renewable energy resources to enhance our energy security.

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December 7, 2007

Farm Bill Agreement, Like Bill Itself, is Bipartisan

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced that agreement had been reached on amendments related to the farm bill and that Senate consideration of the bill may resume as soon as tomorrow.

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December 5, 2007

Senator Harkin Urges Passage of the Farm Bill

Senate Harkin, Senator Chuck Grassley, and Governor Chet Culver came together on Capitol Hill today to urge the Senate to pass a farm bill that will bolster economic growth in Iowa by fueling investments in renewable energy initiatives.

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November 15, 2007

Fighting for Critical Farm Bill Investments

Late last month, I was proud to chair the Senate Agriculture Committee as we approved a farm bill with strong, bipartisan support, with not one negative vote against it. Our strong, forward-looking, fiscally responsible farm bill is at a stand still on the floor because we cannot obtain the necessary Republican support. They will not agree to a reasonable plan that keeps the farm bill from getting bogged down and far off the subject of the farm bill.

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November 11, 2007

Doing Right by Our Veterans

As a proud member of American Legion Post 562 in Cumming, I know firsthand the patriotism of America’s veterans - a patriotism not of words, but of deeds and sacrifice. Some members of our Armed Forces pay the ultimate price. Others - including soldiers and Marines I have had the honor of visiting at Walter Reed Army Medical Center - bear terrible wounds that they will carry the rest of their lives.

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November 8, 2007

Moving the Farm Bill Forward

As you may know, recently, I have spent much of my time on the Senate floor, managing debate on the new farm bill.

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November 5, 2007

Harkin Ushers 2007 Farm Bill to Senate Floor

Maintaining a Strong Farm Safety Net ...

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November 1, 2007

Fighting For Investments Here At Home

Later today, we will convene the House-Senate conference on the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. I expect a good conference that will produce a good, solid bill. Bear in mind that this bill passed in the Senate on a 75 to 19 vote, including a strong majority of Republican Senators. This bipartisan support reflects the fact that this bill funds essential, life-supporting, and life-saving services for millions of people in this country.

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October 26, 2007

Senate Agriculture Committee, Under Harkin Leadership, Approves Major Farm, Nutrition, Energy and Conservation Investment Measure

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry today passed by an overwhelming majority the 2007 farm bill, The Food and Energy Security Act.  The measure continues and improves farm income protection and makes historic investments for the future in energy, conservation, nutrition and rural development initiatives – all while staying within strict budget limits.  Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) today hailed the bill’s passage and thanked membership of the Committee.  The bill must now be considered by the full Senate.

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October 17, 2007

2007 Senate Farm Bill: Investments for the Future

I'm pleased to announce that I've been able to reach a basic agreement with key members of the Senate Agriculture Committee on the elements of the new farm bill, which we hope to mark up in this month.

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September 28, 2007

Update: The Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act

I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know about some real successes we've seen recently in the Senate on behalf of veterans and their families.

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September 20, 2007

The Fresh Produce Safety Act

A year ago, there was a large-scale outbreak of food-borne illness caused by a virulent strain of E. coli in fresh bagged spinach. More than 200 people became ill, and three died. Since then, U.S. consumers have been bombarded with news of repeated cases of contaminated food — everything from peanut butter to seafood to pet food. Just this week, there was a recall of a Dole bagged salad product because of E. coli contamination.

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September 10, 2007

Asking General Petraeus to evaluate the surge he has overseen in Iraq is like asking a college student to grade his own term paper.

Today, General Petraeus once again came to Capitol Hill to ask Congress to prolong our involvement in Iraq's civil war. His assessment of the situation in Iraq was positive, but not independent. The simple fact is that asking General Petraeus to evaluate the surge he has overseen in Iraq is like asking a college student to grade his own term paper.

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September 3, 2007

The Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act

As you may know, for more than a year, now, I have been working to pass the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act. This bill - which is named for a soldier from Grundy Center, Iowa, who took his own life after returning from Iraq - directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to step up screening, counseling and other mental health services for returning war veterans.

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August 1, 2007

Statement on the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007

In the decade since it was first authorized, the Children's Health Insurance Program has been an extraordinary success story. It has reduced the number of uninsured low-income children by a third, providing basic health insurance to 6.6 million children whose parents cannot afford private insurance, but who don't qualify for Medicaid.

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July 26, 2007

The 17th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26th, marks the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act — one of the landmark civil rights laws of the 20th century. As chief sponsor of the ADA in the Senate, I take pride in the progress we have made as a nation since 1990. We have removed most physical barriers to movement and access for the 50 million Americans with disabilities. We have required employers to provide reasonable accommodations so that people with disabilities can have equal opportunity in the workplace. And we have advanced the 4 goals of the ADA — equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

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July 2, 2007

Working To Ensure Retirement Security For American Workers

Recently, I introduced legislation to address one of the most important issues facing American workers today: the rapid erosion of the traditional pension plan.

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June 7, 2007

The House debates S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007

Today, the House of Representatives will debate and vote on S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, which would lift President Bush's arbitrary restrictions on federal embryonic stem cell research. This bill passed in the Senate two months ago with a strong, bipartisan vote. Since then, momentum has continued to build. The overwhelming majority of Americans  —  and their members of Congress  —  want to take the shackles off of federal researchers. They want to move forward with some of the most exciting and promising research of modern times.

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June 6, 2007

Protecting the Public Health

I am sure everyone has heard by now about the case of Andrew Speaker, who was diagnosed with an active, drug-resistant form of tuberculosis. On May 10, Mr. Speaker flew from Atlanta on a 12-day international odyssey, which he continued despite warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Then he reentered the U.S. at the Canadian border when a customs agent allowed him to pass despite knowing that Mr. Speaker was being sought by health authorities. During this hearing, we will hear testimony from Mr. Speaker by live hook-up from his hospital room in Denver, Colorado, where he is under quarantine.

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June 5, 2007

Freedom From Want

At this time of year, I always recall that famous Norman Rockwell painting, "Freedom from Want," which portrays a grandmother placing an enormous roast turkey on a dinner table surrounded by a happy extended family. America truly is a nation of amazing blessings and abundance. And the holiday season is always a wonderful time at which to reflect on and give thanks for our prosperity and freedom.

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