Loebsack Town Hall, Iowa City Library

Congressman Dave Loebsack is meeting with a handful of constituents here at the Iowa City Library at 4:00 on a Friday.  It’s in a small room upstairs — the big meeting rooms are filled with Arts Fest stuff.

A District Work Period is different than a “recess” says the hard at work congressman.  Will be another one 4th of July and most of August.Niki Bradley is discussing the Livestrong Lance Armstrong cancer research project.  Dave says the research is noncontroversial, it’s a question of finding $$$.  Niki says the foundation wants to focus on the political process, not overlap with the work of American Cancer Society.  Planning to hold issue events with presidential candidates.  Dave says Lance is a bipartisan guy and knows he needs bipartisan support.  Gerene Denning says scientists are losing support and “we’re hemorrhaging support.”  There’s not money to finish and publish research.

Newman Abuissa asks about the rules private war contractors work under.  Dave says we need to find out.  There’s a push in the House about what the contractors are up to.  Dave asked Gen. Fallon “why are Peruvians guarding US facilities in the Green Zone” during his Iraq visit.  And the Peruvians were subcontracted by Blackwater.  “There’s so much to oversee in this Administration – the Attorney General, Iraq… we can only do so much oversight, and there’s so much we need to be investigating.”

Loebsack: My vote against the supplemental was very difficult, but in the rest of the district “I have been astounded by the people who are putting this into perspective.  We’re putting hundreds of billions into Iraq, and we have to fight for every dollar for NIH.  We shouldn’t be doing it.  People in the district are saying ‘why isn’t the money staying here’, in Keokuk, in Burlington where people need jobs.”  Now that the authorization is passed, we’ll be able to do other things like look into the contractors.  Loebsack discussed authorization vs. appropriations difference, and more scrutiny comes into play.  Approps chair Jack Murtha wants more scrutiny, and that comes into play mid-July.  Dave urges people to contact other House members and committee chairs.  Constituent: “time to hammer Grassley about it.”  Constituent 2: “Harkin too”.

Newman A. moves to Israel vs. Palestine (he’s a local leader on the issue).  Urges Loebsack to “do everything possible to promote Israel-Palestine negotiations, a secure Israel, a contiguous Palestine.”  US needs to take an active, even-handed role.  Loebsack says he had hoped to discuss the issue with Pres. Carter in April but Loebsack was in session that night.  Dave does not expect to travel overseas again this year, after his Feb. Iraq trip.  Collette Broderson (relative of Rachel Corrie who was killed in Gaza) follows up, encourages Loebsack to either visit Palestine or else have a staff member visit.  Project funded by small, in-district dollars.  A complete understanding of this part of world is critical.  Dave says he has many offers on all sides, follows issue closely.  Newman says this is for benefit of all sides and whole world.

Peter Small is here from E. Iowa Immigrant Coalition.  Encourages a “humane new immigration system.”  Expedited family reunification, guest worker program with path to earned citizenship, etc.  Has a half inch thick petition, still getting names and will send it later.  NY family based programs have helped renew economy, revitalized with small business.  Concern that the new bill’s point system will separate families and hurt the creation of local communities and economies.  Peter: “I know you’ve been hearing a lot about this…”  Loebsack: “That would be an understatement.”  Peter says there are many supporters of immigrants as well.  Kelly O’Brien says people are out there working with immigrant communities, they’re our neighbors and friends.  It’s time to support this as a human rights issue (emotion in voice).  Loebsack asks what are their big concerns w/ Kennedy-McCain.  Peter says in the current bill, the increased militarization of border and a guest worker program w/o path to citizenship.  Other items of concern may not be in the bill but are under discussion.  Advocate says a number of amendments proposed: “some are good, some are really, really bad.”  Loebsack says bill will be dealt with in the Senate first; Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) has a House bill and he has not discussed it with him recently.  O’Brien thanks Loebsack for previous meetings with group.  friendsoftheimmigrant.org for more info.  “Time is of the essence,” says Loebsack.

Dave Bradley of West Liberty brings up Ledbetter vs. Goodyear Supreme Court wage ruling:  “A huge step backwards in gender pay discrimination.  Followed the letter of the law, trashed the intent.  I want my daughters to be treated fairly.”  Loebsack says Harkin and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) have pay equity bills.

Robin Roseman urges strong support of HR 811, Rep. Rush Holt’s (D-NJ) election reform bill.  Loebsack says auditors have talked to him about costs and Holt assures Loebsack there will be funding.  Roseman emphasized random mandatory audits.  Loebsack says many GOP on board in the House, movement is slow in the Senate (thanks, Mitch McConnell).  Bradley: “would Bush veto it anyway?”  Perhaps.

Things wind down, Loebsack asks Newman Abuissa to follow up on the Middle East pledge.  Conversations break up into one on one.